Student Life at Edinburgh University

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I

l^aibarti College librarg

FROM THE GIFT OF

WILLIAM ENDICOTT, jR.

(CU** of 1S87)

OF BOSTON

Student Life

AT

Edinburgh University.

BY

NORMAN FRASER.

7. AND R. PARLANE,

PAISLEY.
1884.

R(Uaa -vj a^,t)6. 5-6 . ^

•^

APR. I 1918*^

Zo

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

Sir STAFFORD HENRY NORTHCOTE,Bart.,M.P.

Soxb Rector

OF

EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY,

S^^ig ^alxtrttt h respjectfttllg btbtcateb

BY

I'HE AUTHOR

A/arc^t 1884.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

PACK

LEAVING HOME 7

CHAPTER II.

WILLIAM BLACK BECOMES A STUDENT . . 20

CHAPTER III.

THE PROFESSOR OF GREEK . . . . 37

CHAPTER IV.

ALISTAIR AND THE PROFESSOR .... 47

CHAPTER V.

HARD WORKING STUDENTS .... 58

CHAPTER VI.
A medical's story 70

CHAPTER VII.

I PASS IN "classics" . . . • . . 82

CHAPTER VIII.
university abuses . . . . . . 89

CHAPTER IX.
A grassmarket adventure .... 102

Contents,

CHAPTER X.

CHARLIE MACNAB's SURPRISE

CHAPTER XL

WILL BLACK IN DANGER

• •

PAGE

• •

120

CHAPTER XII.

(i Ci^T T^ "

SOLD BY A STUDENT

CHAPTER Xni.

ICACDONALD'S PRACTICAL JOKE .

CHAPTER XIV.

WILL BLACKS CONFESSION

CHAPTER XV.

I RECEIVE MY M.A. .

• •

CHAPTER XVI.

A students' RIOT

127

• •

137

144

• •

153

161

CHAPTER XVII.

I ENTER THE DIVINITY HALL

• . •

CHAPTER XVIII.

WILL black's MISSION

• •

167

176

ILL US TRA TIONS.
^ EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY — FRONT VlfiW

J

j>

j>

QUADRANGLE
LIBRARY HALL

Frontispiece
21

77

STUDENT LIFE.

LEAVING HOME.

"Confide ye aye in Providence, for Providence is kind,
An' liear ye a' life's clianges wi' a calm and tranquil mind."

—Ba/lant/n/.

UR Norman is going to be a
minister, and occupy the
village pulpit some day or
other."

Such was the verdict of
my parents, and any visitor
who stayed for half an hour
inside our humble dwelling,
was sure to hear the above
sentence from my mother's lips.

My father was a handloom weaver. Our
house consisted of a " but and a ben." The
"but," that is the room, was where we dined
and slept, and the " ben" was the place where
my father worked at his loom from early
morn till after nine at night, on many occa-

8 Student Life.

sions. I was the only son, and as a natural
consequence deemed a prodigy ; and I suppose,
such being the case, my future career was
decided upon long before they knew whether
I had the talents for the sacred profession or
not.

Up till the time I left school I had never
been far away from our village, which was
. situated on an island, and all day long I had
the changing sea ever before mine eyes, and
at night its deep, sullen boom in mine ears as
I lay awake in bed. Although my father
was a weaver, he was one of the most intelli-
gent and intellectual men I ever met in with..
He had a typical Scotch face, with high
cheek bones, kindly blue eyes, a firm mouth
and rounded chin, while he was of medium
stature. He was well read up in history;
was a keen debater in politics ; and as for
poetry, he could recite piece after piece till
my whole mind was enraptured with the
various themes. He was an elder in the
Established Church, and was accordingly
looked up to with great respect.

As for my mother, she was the kindest of
women, and thought nothing too good for
me.

Leaving Home. 9

There was very little trade done in the
tillage of Millport ; and my father, with some
half-a-dozen others, received their orders and
^ent all their goods to be disposed of in
Glasgow. Millport, however, was greatly fre-
-quented in the summer months by visitors,
and with one thing and another, the people
managed to make a living.

There was a good school in the village, the
schoolmaster of which, fortunately, loved
learning for its own sake, and I thus received
a good education, which embraced Greek and
Latin.

William Black and I were great friends.
He was the minister's son, and a fine, manly
fellow, some two years younger than I. As
Will was also destined for the ministry,
we had many interests in common, and many
precious moments were wasted by us in talk-
ing over what each of us would do after we
had entered the University.

The years went rapidly past. When I
reached my sixteenth year I was despatched
to Edinburgh University, where I had an
oincle residing, with whom I was to lodge.
I need not mention here what took place
•during my first session there, beyond stating

lo Student Life,

that I took a satisfactorily good position in
in the classes which I attended.

During the summer vacations I returned
to Millport, and helped my father at his trade,
and kept up my studies at odd moments.

It was now the end of September; the
visitors, like migratory birds, had all departed
from Millport. The trees were bare and
leafless, the clouds dark and dreary, the sea
cold and cheerless, save when a high wind
arose and hurled the waves against the rocks,
when they broke into a thousand particles of
foam.

I had seen the minister during the day,,
and he had told me to come up to the manse
at night, as Will was anxious to consult me
about something, as he intended going to the
University of Edinburgh also, the ensuing
session.

When I entered the manse, I found Will
all impatience. His mother was sitting by a
blazing fire knitting a stocking.

" I thought you would have been afraid of
venturing up here in such a stormy night as
this," said Mrs Black, after the first greetings.
were over.

** The idea!" exclaimed Will. "Norman is.

Leaving Home, 1 1

not made of butter that he will melt in a
slight shower of rain. Have you brought
the University Calendar?"

" Here it is," lanswered, as I handed it to
him.

We were soon deeply engaged in the
mystery of class work, fees, and other things.
Will had many things to ask, both about the
University and the Professors, and a host of
kindred subjects. It was quite wonderful
how the time slipped past ; and ever and anon
as I glanced at Mrs Black's face I saw a
smile hovering round her lips, as if she was
amused at Will's eager questions.

" I have been asking Will if he was not
afraid of going to such a city as Edinburgh,
and he says he is not the least afraid," she
observed.

'* There is nothing to be afraid of,"
said Will ; " my father has taught me as
well as any Professor is fit to do, and I feel
quite certain I wont put my home training to
shame."

" It wasn't your classical education I
referred to," said Mrs Black, very quietly.

" What was it then, mother ? "

" The temptations of a city life," was the

12 Student Life,

answer, "and the hundreds of young men
you will come into daily contact with ; and I
am just afraid you may be led astray."

" Don't get fanciful, mother," said Will ;
" rest assured I am not like a plank drifting
down a river, with no will of my own. I '11
not spoil any more than Norman Fraser."

" Perhaps not," I answered. " I suppose
you will be going to try for a Bursary ? "

" Certainly, if I can hit on an easy dodge
of answering the questions."

'* That 's not so easily done," I replied ;
'•hard, conscientious work is the best way of
overcoming difficulties. Plenty of the
students, however, get hold of a number of
old calendars, read up and work out the
questions printed therein, which were asked
at former examinations, and by these means
get a pretty good idea of the nature of the
expected questions."

"That's a capital idea, Norman," said
Will, "and I must take care to put it into
practice. Father says the Edinburgh
University is the best one in Scotland."

"It is the most popular one, anyhow," I
replied.

" Father was in Edinburgh last winter

Leaving Home. 13

while you were there," said Will ; ** he stood
in the street opposite the College, watching
the students passing down the steps, and he
said a lot o' them put him in mind o' sprats
among good sized herring, they were so wee
and young ; and he thought they would have
been better to have remained another year or
so at school."

" It 's not the oldest people who have the
most sense," observed Mrs Black, smiling at
her son's remarks.

" I suppose you knew Henry Porteous of
Dunoon, Mrs Black ? "

"Oh! yes, very well indeed," was her
reply. " I have not, however, heard of him
for a number of years, beyond the fact that
he was rusticated, or expelled, from the
University of Edinburgh. Was it true such
was the case ? "

" Perfectly true," I answered. " One of
my fellow students, named Andrew Geggin,
told me all about the affair. It seems that
Henry Porteous had been two sessions at the
University, and as he had put off a consider-
able portion of valuable time in attending
theatres, concerts, and other places of
amusement, he confessed to a fellow student,

I

14 Student Life,

several weeks before the regular work of the
session came to an end, that he felt morally
certain of being 'plucked' at the April
examination. Henry Porteous was intending
to be a doctor."

"To step into his father's shoes at Dunoon,
I suppose ? " said Mrs Black.

" Very likely," was my reply ; " but, as
Geggin said, he had got such a bad disease
himself, he thought he would never get a
practice. And so it turned out. . Two nights
before the examination was to take place,
Henry Porteous was in a fever of excitement.
He did not know what to do. His mind
was so distracted with anxiety, that although
he had been studying pretty hard for the last
week or so before this, his brain seemed a
vacuum — filled with nothing but vague and
imperfect ideas. While in this state, how-
ever, he happened to mention his difficulty to
a man who was a printer in the place where
the Senatus got their printing done, and this
man mentioned that the Professor of
Physiology had been over at the office with
the manuscript of the questions for the
examination that same forenoon. The con-
science of Henry Porteous had apparently,

Leaving Home, 15

<

at this time, given up its office of inward
monitor, or had been hushed to sleep, for he
was unable to resist the temptation which
rose up before him, and the man and him-
self separated on good terms, for the printer
got very drunk that same night."

"A satisfactory proof," said Mrs Black,
with a smile. " But go on with your tale."

"The librarians of the University were
somewhat astonished at the number of books
which Henry Porteous consulted the follow-
ing day, and the large amount of notes he
took, for up to this time he had rarely
troubled them for any literature, but they
attributed it to the approaching examination.
There would be nearly one hundred and fifty
students present at the examination in the
Library Hall. When the results of the
"^ exams' were posted up at the entrance
^ates, who should stand at the head of the
list but Mr Henry Porteous, with some
ninety-eight per cent, of questions answered !
Every one that knew Henry Porteous was
more than astonished. The thing was quite
unexpected, and nobody was more surprised
at the result than the Professor himself, so
•Geggin told me."

1 6 Student Life,

" Did Porteous then manage to obtain a
copy of the questions beforehand ? " asked
Will, who had become exceedingly interested
in the tale.

"Wait a little and you will soon know," I
answered. " Henry Porteous went off home
with flying colours, and for a time was quite
a prodigy. Meanwhile, the printer had beea
turned off" for a week, for having been
insolent to the foreman ; and one of his
comrades, who had been drinking with him,,
went and told the master of the printing
office, that Harry Slades had given one of the
medical students a copy of the questions twa
days before the examination in Physiology
took place. The master, after enquiry, went
directly to the Professor and told him all he
knew. The Professor simply said, ' I see it
now. This accounts for it all. I thought
there was something under all his extra
cleverness.'

*' The man was got hold of and duly ex-
amined, but denied ever having done such a
thing, and Porteous might have got off" had
not the Professor casually mentioned the
matter at the bookshop of Maclachlan and
Stewart, with the result that one of the shop-

Leaving Home, 17

•
men produced a copy of the paper in question,

which had been left inside a book returned

by Henry Porteous two hours before the

Physiological Examination was to have taken

place ! This affair was duly proven against

him, and the Senatus gave the secretary

orders to write to Dunoon asking him to

return at once to Edinburgh, on a matter of

importance. Porteous, however, declined to

do so. He did not mend matters by this, for

he was found guilty and expelled the college

with disgrace."

** And served him quite right," said Will.
" He was a mean sneak to take advantage
of better students than himself. But what is
he doing now do you know ? ''

" Ah ! I hear his father has shipped him
off to America," was my reply ; " I haven't
the least notion, however, of what he is going
to do when he does get there."

" It is a great pity, indeed, that young men
will be so foolish and rash as to risk the
morning of their life by acts of deliberate
folly," said Mrs Black. '' I hope, Will, what-
ever you do, you will always be honest and
true."

*

" I will always try to be so," said Will,

B

1 8 Sttide7tt Life,

** and you need not be so timid about me. I
never met in with any bad companions yet,
and trust the University to which I am
going will be comparatively free from
tares."

"Heigh ho!" I said. **it's an awful thing
to be in the company of a philosopher like
yourself. But I '11 need to be going, as you
know I start to-morrow for Edinburgh; some
days earlier than yourself — and father and I
will have lots of things to talk over."

'^Then, old fellow," said Will, " I'll go
down the hill with you a short distance."

Shortly afterwards, I bade Mrs Black good
by, as the minister was in his study. When
we got to the end of the short avenue, I
happened to look back, and saw part of the
blind drawn up, and a woman's figure
revealed against the background of light. I
knew it was Mrs Black watching us in the
moonlight. By this time the wind had fallen
and the rain ceased. . The stars were gleam-
ing above with a soft liquid light, like that of
a maiden's eyes over her first great sorrow.
Away down at our feet the sea was outspread
before us. The village nestled near by,
and nothing disturbed the silence but the

Leaving Home. 19

sough of the wind in the hedge near at hand,
and the stray cry of a lonely gull.

Will Black walked down to the village with
me, and as we parted, I could not help praying
that Will might escape unscathed from the
temptations and snares of a city life.

Student Life.

Chapter II.

WILLIAM BLACK BECOMES A STUDENT.

" Come forth, and brin? wilh you a lieart
That watches anrl receives."

— Wordnoorth.

LTHOUGH the University

of Edinburgh is the youngest

of all the Universities of

Scotland, still it is the one

which yearly draws the

greatest number of students

within its precincts. It is a

modern structure, a mixture

of the Greek and Italian

style, and was erected between the years

1789 and 1834, taking the place of an older

structure founded by James VI. in 1582.

The buildings are erected on a plot of
ground formerly known as the Kirk o' Field,
which was the scene of the murder of
Darnley, Queen Mary's husband, and is
referred to in Burton's History of Scotland,
where the house he (Darnley) was taken to
"was a small building, the residence of the

William Black becomes a Student, 2

•>

provoist of the collegiate church of St. Mary-
in-the-Fields."

Owing to the narrowness of the street, the
view of the front of the University is com-
paratively lost, and dozens of strangers must
pass and re-pass and not know they are near
such a place of learning. Our illustration *
gives a very good idea of the outside appear-
ance of the building.

I remember a stranger, who had evidently
come from the country, asking some of the
students who were lounging about the outside
steps, if they could tell him where the Police
Office was, and they kindly directed him to
the Secretary's Office in the vestibule 1

The quadrangle inside the building is large
and airy ; while a stone balustrade, with small
supporting columns, with here and there stone
steps leading from the various class-rooms
and entrances to the Library, lends a massive
grandeur to the place.

A statue of Sir David Brewster,, at one
time Principal of the University, faces the
entrance at the far end of the quadrangle.

Will Black duly arrived in Edinburgh, and
as this was his first visit to it he was greatly

* Frontispiece.

24 Student Life,

attracted by the aspect of the city, with its
many shops and crowded streets, so different
from his village home of Millport.

As no students resided within the walls of
the University, Will and I sought out
lodgings, and he at length was satisfied.

The Arts course, which may be said to be
the key of all the professions, extends to
three years.^*^ The annual cost of classes
amounts, on an average, to ten guineas, which
although perhaps a moderate charge, presses
heavily enough on a large number of students
who frequent the University.

I went with Will to the Hall, where he
was to pass his preliminary examination
before being enrolled as a student. Will was
somewhat excited, and it was evidently with
mingled feelings of wonder and awe that he
walked up the stairs of the Entrance Hall,
through the door of which dozens of raw
youths were crowding and crushing. Here
I left him, with best wishes for his success.
When Will entered the Hall, which is nearly

* The ordinary Curriculum in the Faculty of Arts, with a view to
a degree, extends over Four Winter Sessions. Students who
pass an Entrance Examination in Latin and Greek . . . may
complete the Curriculum in Arts, with a view to Graduation, within
Thrkk Winter Sessions.— F/V/<f University Calendar,

William Black becomes a Student. 25

two hundred feet long, with a magnificent
roof, carved in wood, he found himself soon
seated on a three legged stool, similar to
those of Jenny Geddes fame, with slightly
over a hundred other youths, quite as eager
and interested as himself. From end to end
of the hall, ran four long tables, made
of three planks joined together, and set on
tressles to act as supports. Through the
middle space of these tables, students who
had taken their degree of Master of Arts
walked slowly up and down, glancing at the
students occasionally to see that none were
copying from each other, or using unlawful
means to ensure success.

Round the sides of the hall were arranged
a large number of busts, on pedestals, of
former professors ; while, in various niches
were cases containing valuable manuscripts,
coins, and other things, as Will afterwards
found out; while along the gallery, and in
the hall itself, thousands of books were seen.
Will, however, had practical work to perform.
He glanced at the questions, and then set
himself seriously to work, and before the
allotted time was expired he was able to
perceive that he had made a satisfactory

26 * Student Life,

paper, having answered fully three-fourths
of the questions put.

Will folded his paper, marched down the
hall to the table at which the Professor sat,
and put the result of his labours into the
pigeon-hole stand, labelled alphabetically, and
in a few minutes found himself breathing the
free air once again.

" How have you got on ?" asked a voice
close to Will, as he stood on the outside steps
of the University. Will looked at the
speaker, and did not recognise him as having
been among the number of those youths who
had been, like himself, in the hall. It
was, nevertheless, a pleasing face that he saw
before him. What drew Will Black's
sympathy, however, towards him, was the
fact that he wanted his left arm from the
elbow downwards. Neither Will nor Geggin
(for it was he) observed me, as I was stand-
ing behind two or three other students,
reading a bill. I heard every word that
passed.

" I think I have managed to get through
pretty satisfactorily," said Will, after a slight
pause.

** I 'm glad to hear that," was the reply.

William Black beco7nes a Stude^it, 2 7

*' Where do you come from ? I 'm from
Duns ; my name 's Geggin — Andrew Geggin.
What s yours ? "

I saw that Will could not refrain from smil-
ing at the almost boyish eagerness with
which those questions were asked. Will had
just satisfied his interlocutor on these points,
when I stepped forward and mentioned that
this was the friend I had told him about on a
former occasion. We turned inside and took
a walk round the quadrangle.

" You will find a difference in a big town
like this, than from the small village you
come frae," said Geggin. *' I mind fine the
first session I spent here. I took a perfect
hungering after hame, and couldna help
repeating what I saw in a book called
Rosslyn Lyrics,

' I 'm far frae hame ! I 'm far frae hame !

An' ilk ane I lo'e dear ;
I feel at times a wean again,

An' oft let fa' a tear.

Ay ! ay ! it costs us mony pangs,

The aps an' domis o' life.
It seems our hale existence here

Is just ae round o' strife.*

Isna thae lines bonnie ? Man, I had often
to run away to Arthur Seat, lie down on the

28 Student Life.

grassy hillside, an' take a good hearty cry to
relieve my bursting heart. Ay, ay ! there 's
no place like home."

'' One never knows the true value of a
thing till it is denied them," said Will, speak-
ing like a philosopher of advanced years. " I
think the older we grow, the more we
appreciate and love the charms of our
younger years."

Geggin gave me an expressive glance
from his dark eyes, at this oracular sentence
of Will's. He then began pointing out to
Will where the various class-rooms were
located ; then talked of the dry humour of
the various warders ; the peculiarities of the
several professors, and a host of kindred
subjects, that kept our minds fully occupied,
and I was happy to observe that Will and
Geggin parted on quite affectionate terms.

Will Black, in the course of a few days,
soon had the satisfaction of knowing that he
had passed his examination successfully, and
after matriculating (for which he paid the
sum of one pound), was enrolled a student of
the University of Edinburgh.

Will and I had barely settled down to
work, when a new phase of interest and

William Black becomes a Student. 29

excitement developed itself among the
students. This was the triennial election of
a Lord Rector, a subject keenly debated on
all sides by the young politicians. The
election was always decided more on the
political principles of the candidates, than for
their literary attainments. The Marquis of
Hartington and Dr Lyon Playfair were
pitted against each other.

There were plenty eager canvassers on
both sides.

" Who do you think you 11 vote for ? "
inquired Geggin of Will Black, as they met
after the dismission of the Greek class.

" I don't think it would be right for me to
vote for any of the candidates, seeing that I
know nothing of them."

" You Ve not a Cameronian ? "

- Who— I ? " laughed Will. " Not at all,
although I believe such people do refrain
from taking part in political elections;
although, I think it is a mistake."

"You had better vote for Hartington,
then," said Geggin. "He will come in the
winner with a good majority. But you will
need to take care of yourself on Saturday
morning."

^o Student Life,

o

" Why so ? " asked Will. " Do you mean
to say there is fighting and rioting ? "

** Something like it/* was the reply, " and if
you get a handful or two of peas thrown
sharply in your face, you won't relish it one
bit. I Ve known some fellows have sore
inflamed eyes for a month afterwards."

"That shouldn't be allowed at all," said
Will ; " the Senatus ought to put such things
down."

** Not at all,'' was the reply. ** Buying
peas helps the grocers, and a little rough fun
is relished by nearly all the students. My
friend Cowan is of the same opinion. I
have given you fair warning, so you know
what to do. You know I have no chance at
all, as I want an arm."

'* How did you lose it?" enquired Will,
thinking this would be a good opportunity of
knowing how his friend had sustained, such a
calamity.

" I was just a wee chap o' some three
years auld," was the reply. "My father has a
mill at Duns, and I happened one day to go
too near ane o' the wheels, when I was drawn
into the machinery, an' my arm was so
mangled that it had to be amputated. But

William Black becomes a Student, 3 1

it's better to gang to the kingdom of heaven
wi* one arm than to hell wi* two."

*' Poor fellow ! " muttered Will to himself,
as Geggin took his departure. '* It's a pity
of him, but he's a splendid fellow all the
same."

** He is all that, and more," I answered,
*' and is one of those kind of fellows who are
not afraid of their opinions."

The morning of the election duly came
round; a dull raw day, with a promise of rain.
I called at Will Black's lodgings, and
together we entered the University to record
our votes. Numbers of students were
standing on the stone balustrades of
the quadrangle, as well as on the steps ;
and almost every new comer was
saluted with handfuls of peas, thrown with
such dexterity and skill as frequently to
strike some part of the face and ears, which
stung with a prickling sensation for a long
time afterwards. Ere we could mount the
stairs and get into the Reading Room, where
we were to vote, we were also assailed, but
having invested in a pound of peas each, in
case of necessity, we faced our antagonists,
and replied to their attacks. The opposite

32 Sttident Life,

party, disliking to be paid in their own coin,
made a simultaneous rush to collar vis, but
failed to do so. Once inside the Reading
Room, I saw and heard the peas rattling
louder than hail against the window panes.
At the end of the quadrangle where Sir
David Brewster's statue is erected, a
number of students of opposing parties were
endeavouring to put their colours on the
head of the statue. Several students, more
bold or adventurous than the rest, managed
to climb to the top of the pedestal, and were
immediately assailed with paper bags con-
taining flour, and others containing yellow
ochre, which made a sad mess of their clothes,
while all the time a torrent of peas was
continually hailing on the advanced sentinel,
who was endeavouring to outwit the enemy.
Suddenly Will, who was standing beside me,
gave me a dig in the side with his elbow,
as he exclaimed : " Look there, Norman !
Geggin is being shabbily treated. Come
on ! " and ere I could rightly take in the
scene, Will rushed from the room and I
followed at his heels.

There was evidently several youths more
bent on mischief than on innocent amusement.

William Black becomes a Student. 33

A big fellow, whom I knew by sight, named
Macdonald, and another called Purdie, stand-
ing on the top of the steps, behind a dozen
others, suddenly joined hands together, and
literally sent them before them headlong down
the steps, amid a yell of execration !

The janitor came on the scene just as this
took place. He was a tall man, and had
once been in the Horse Guards, where he
acted as a sergeant. Suddenly collaring
Macdonald and Purdie by the collar* of their
coats, he bumped their heads severely
together, which made the water start from
" their eyes at this sore and unexpected reprisal.

" You Ve a pair of mean, cowardly fellows,"
he said ; " you deserve to be reported to the
Senatus for your shabby and dastardly con-
duct. We don't want any horse play here,
so you had better mind what you are about.
I shouldn't wonder, too, but that you have
seriously hurt Geggin there."

"Oh! he is all right," I said, helping
my friend to his feet. " How do you feel,
Geggin ? "

" Pretty well, thank you. Phraser," was the
reply. " I might have got a serious tumble.
Fortunately I fell on the top of Cowan there,"

34 Student Life,

pointing to a slim built student, who was
trying to get his felt hat into something like
its proper shape, but miserably failing.

Macdonald and Purdie slunk off immedi-
ately, and things grew quieter after this
occurrence.

This incident, however, brought the throw-
ing of peas to a conclusion ; and as Macdonald
and Purdie, who were both medical students,
sneaked off, Chapman said, "These fellows
will come to no good, or I am much mistaken."

" Why do you think so ? " I asked. " An
affair like what has happened does not
necessarily stamp them as blackguards.*'

" Certainly not ; but all the same, many a
one has got a severe reprimand from the
Senatus for doing less. It was only the
other day, when going up College Street, at
night, I heard a dreadful squalling in an
entry, and on going in, I found that
Macdonald and Purdie had stuck two pins
about half an inch down, into the back of \
cat, as they wished to see what effect they
would have on the nerves through the spinal
column. They have plenty of cheek, and
when I quarrelled them about doing such a
cruel thing, they retorted by saying that if a

William Black becomes a Sttident. 35

Professor was allowed to vivisect dogs, cats,
frogs, and other things, they did not see why
a student should not be allowed to follow out
class practice whenever they got the chance
of a subject."

" And do they actually practice the horrible
art of vivisection in such an enlightened
university as this ? " asked Will Black.

Chapman merely smiled and walked away,
while Geggin said, " Fraser could tell you a
thing or two about that. Although he goes
in for theology he keeps his weather eye
open. He is a splendid hand at debating."

Just as I was remonstrating with Geggin
for flattering me too highly, the Principal —
Sir Alexander Grant — appeared with a paper
in his hand, on the balcony, above the Senate
Hall, and amid a breathless hush announced
that the Marquis of Hartington had been
elected Lord Rector.

A stentorian cheer was raised at this
announcement, mingled with a few hisses.
The result, however, seemed to give satisfac-
tion to the majority of students.

A rush was again made to the statue to
endeavour to twine the colours of the
victorious party on it, but neither Will Black

36 Student Life,

nor I waited to see the result, as we had
seen quite enough of rough work for one day
at least.

In the evening, the students had a torch-
light procession. As nearly as Will Black
and I could compute, there would be some
six hundred present. It was a nice sight to
see the torches flashing, smoking, and flicker-
ing; to hear the students singing various
popular songs, and to watch the vast crowds
of civilians who crowded on both sides of the
streets through which they wended their way.

Will Black and I accompanied them only
a short distance as spectators, and then, as it
was rather late, we made off" to our separate
lodgings, when I, for one, slept soundly till
morning.

The Professor of Greek.

Chapter III.
THE PROFESSOR OF GREEK.

ROFESSOR BLACKIE

was, in a measure, idolised

by those attending his classes,

especially the first year

students. His heart was as

green and youthful as if he

had been on the threshold of

manhood, instead of having

nearly reached the allotted

term of man's years. He was a man of

perfervid enthusiasm ; knew a variety of

languages ; could speak eloquently on almost

any subject ; had peculiar and democratic

political opinions of his own which were a

mysterj' for most people to understand.

Professor Blackie usually went about the
streets with a plaid thrown over his shoulders
and round his body, while he carried a stout
walking stick in his hand, which he usually

38 Student Life,

called a " kail runt " — that is a cabbage root.
His features were thin and sharp, his eyes
small and restless, and his hair was long, thin
and white.

It could not be said, however, that the
genial Professor gave his students the best
Greek teaching at his command. He
delighted, at least while I was there, to make
jokes in the class-room, and a certain eccen-
tricity of manner frequently heightened the
humour of these.

" I don't see how the Greek I am getting
can be of much use to me, or forward my
chances of passing when I try for my M.A.,"
said Will Black, after having been a week or
two in the junior Greek class.

"How so?" I asked.

" Because I do not seem to gain any more
additional knowledge of Greek verbs since
the day I entered the class," was the reply.
" And I never expected students to act in the
manner they do. Some of them act very
dishonestly."

" What's wrong in the class } " I asked,
feeling pretty well assured of what Will
would say.

"It's simply this," was the reply: "You

The Professor of Greek. 39

know I sit in bench number three, along with
Stillie, Grant, and several others ; and while
Professor Blackie was giving out the exercise
in Greek, they had the ' crib ' opened at the
place — ^it was the twelfth book of Homers
Odyssey, — and busily engaged putting the
translation down on the paper before them !
It is a disgrace when students act in such a
manner."

"The Scotsman defines a student, as a
species of the genus homo — one who does not
study — and says the name is misapplied in
the case of the Edinburgh University.
Did you not speak to these innocent
rascals } "

'^ Of course I did," said Will. '^ When I
came out of the class I spoke to them pretty
sharply, but was told to mind my own
business, or go back to my ' mammy.' Some
people are very witty."

*' Remember what Cicero says," I replied;
''Jacere telum voluntatis est; ferire, qtcem^
no liter is fortunae!'

"You had better translate that," replied
Will, giving me a gentle snub.

"To throw a dart is a matter of will ; but
that it strikes a person whpm you have no

40 Student Life.

intention to strike, is a matter of chance," I
said.

** That may all be true enough ; but I
believe there are some students who try to
give pain wilfully. But what's up with
Cowan that he is laughing so much } Geggin
is surely drawing the long bow."

By this time the two had came up to where
we were standing.

** You had better give us the benefit of your
joke," I said to Geggin. *' Will here is dying
to know."

'* Oh ! it was just one of Blackie s jokes
that I was relating," was the reply. "Just
before the session broke up last year, I got
word from home that one of my brothers was
lying ill ; so as it wanted only two days before
we would be free, I went to the Professor and
asked away.

" ' What do you want away for ? ' says he,
so I told him. He never said anything, but
commenced to hum : —

*Oh! where, tell me where

Does my Highland laddie dwell?'

He repeated this twice over, so I thought I
might as well help him — so I put in the bass.

The Professor of Greek. 41

* You're a fine fellow/ he says, 'an' you
deserve to get away.' Before he wrote out
my certificate, I asked him if he could
recommend me a good book on Greek
prosody. * Anthon's,' he said. As I had not
got my pencil on me, I asked him to write it
down ; so he took his quill and tried to write
the name, but he only managed to make some
lines. On looking at the paper, I saw he had
made 2i% so I asked him if that was the key
I was to take for the song he was humming.
He didn't see the joke at first, but he laughed
heartily when I explained, and said, * You 're
a smart fellow, and deserve a good certificate,'
and there and then he wrote it out, an' I
think it was better than I deserved."

"It's wonderful his fund of youthful
vitality," I said, " considering that he is above
sixty."

" The heart of the poet never grows old,"
said Cowan.

"So it seems," I replied, "but I think a
little more reverence for divine things would
be more becoming in a man of his position
and age. Just look what occurred the other
day at the opening of the class, when he was
repeating the Lord's Prayer."

42 Student Life,

** What happened ? " asked Cowan. " I
was late in coming that morning."

"Why," said Geggin, "he was repeating
the Lord's Prayer in Greek, as usual, but
when he came to, * give us this day our daily
bread,' he stopped for a full minute, as if
trying to recollect the phrase, but failing, he
began and stopped at the same place. Some
of the students began to laugh, but the
Professor, after saying it over again, and
failing once more, said, * We '11 never mind
the prayer to-day ; we will try it to-morrow,'
and then went on with the usual class work."

"It s rather strange how he could forget
the phrase,'' I said, "and more especially
when he has been in Greece more than once."

"He's not a bad fellow Blackie," said
Cowan ; " and if you want a lecture full of
humour and genius, go and hear him when
he gives one in the Literary Institute."

" I like Professor Calderwood*s lectures," I
said. "He has a thorough grasp of his
subject, although his manner of delivery
might be a little sprightlier at times."

" Sellar and he are both good men," said
Geggin. " But do you see yon fellow walk-
ing wi' that wee chap ? " I looked in the

The Professor of Greek. 43

direction indicated, and saw a tall, spare
youth, about Will Black's own age, and very
thinly clad.

" Who is he ? " I asked, as I never
recollected having seen him before.

** One of the most conscientious and up-
right young men I have ever come across all
my life.''

"He doesn't seem to be very well off,"
said Will.

** That 's too easily perceived at a glance,'*
said Geggin ; *' but I must get him up to my
lodgings some night, and get him to tell you
his history over a cup of tea. He stands
well up in his classes, and yet, if you go to
any evangelistic meeting in any part of the
town, you are sure to" find him among the
workers there."

" That 's what I call following out in daily
life the principle of the Bible," said Cowan.
*' If there were more young men of faith, who
did not hide their Christianity when they put
on their kid gloves, the moral atmosphere of
our city would be purer."

" Christianity has nothing to do with a
University training," I said; "at least, it is
not one of those things which are thought

44 Student Life.

essential to the welfare of the students in
general."

" More 's the pity and disgrace then," said
Geggin, " and it strikes me that there is no
better recruiting station for the devil, than
our own University."

Having to go to the Library for a book, I
left the group.

Students wishing the use of books from
the Library were required to deposit one
pound in money, for which they got a receipt,
and when they desired to cease from availing
themselves of the privilege, they received
their money back again, which was only
required against accidents and security for
the safe return of the books.

Filling in one of the slips at the counter, I
handed it to one of the librarians in attendance.
He was a strange being, and rarely handed
out a book without attemping some wretched
pun or other. He had dark hair and eyes,
was of slim build, and might at first sight
have been taken for a foreigner, as he wore
his hair in Chinese fashion, having it tied in
a queue at the back of his head. He was,
however, either an Englishman or a Welsh-
man. I never could rightly make out which.

The Professor of Greek. 45

" Have you got * Agassiz on Fish ' ? " I
asked.

" I guess we have," he replied.

"Are there plates illustrating the various
kinds ? "

"My dear sir," he replied, rubbing his
hands with invisible soap and water, as
Charles* Dickens has said somewhere ; " you
would never dream of taking fish without
plates, would you ? " and having had his joke
away he went to obtain the book.

He was some time away, and I filled up
the time till he returned by talking to
Manderson, another of the librarians.

" You should ask Grainger for a sight of
his diary when he gives you your book," said
Manderson. " He keeps an account of his
travels. It's worth seeing, and I 'm sure you
would enjoy a peep into it."

I knew Manderson was fond of a joke, so
when I received my book I politely made
the request to Mr Grainger. He took it
from his desk and handed it to me at once,
as if delighted at the bare idea of having
been asked for it.

I looked over the contents. It was
written in a very simple, accurate, and lucid

46 Student Life,

style, as the reader may judge for himself by
the following specimen which I noted down
in shorthand. It is in reference to a visit
paid to Melrose Abbey :

" I stood before the entrance gate to the Abbey. The
gate was made of wood and painted. An old woman
opened it; she reminded me of my mother, she had
such a nice voice. She thought I was an Italiah at first,
and said I was very good looking.

'* The Abbey is an old ruin, but must have been very
beautiful when new. There are no panes in the windows,
which pained me very much. The old woman showed
me the place where King Robert Bruce's heart had been
buried. There is a ticket there which shews you the
place. There are a few images, but most of them are
broken. I paid a shilling to my guide, and thought it
too much, especially when there was nothing to eat."

It was truly, as Manderson said, "worth
seeing;" and I said so to Mr Grainger as I
handed it back and quitted the Library, with
many varied thoughts filling my mind.

Alistair and the Professor.

ALISTAIR AND THE PROFESSOR.

" Good actions crown theirselves with lasting baysi
Who well deserves, needs not anothet's praise."

was Saturday, and as I was
well forward with my studies,
I took an evening stroll
through the busy streets.
In the High Street, organs,
whistles, and pianofortes
were doing their best to
devate the tastes of the
masses ; men were stagger-
ing along under the influence of liquor ;
women, with babies in arms, and children
holding on by their dresses followed after,
while men were singing and trying to sell
old ballads and obscene songs. Suddenly I
was tapped on the shoulder by a student
named Brown, " Where are you bound for ? "
he asked.

48 Student Life,

" No place in particular," I said.

" Then come along with me. There is a
meeting in the Vennel Church to-night."

I consented.

" You Ve often wondered how I became a
speaker," said Brown, as we walked along.
" Well, I once heard a woman make a speech ;
and as I thought it wouldn't do to be beat by
a woman, there and then I tried it, which is
some six months since. I don't say I am
very good at it, Fraser, you know ; but if I
can comfort a poor soul in any way, it will
repay my pleading."

We reached the Vennel Church, which
entered off Lauriston ; and after going down
the narrow lane, and past what remains of the
ancient city wall, we entered the building,
where about two hundred people would be
assembled, most of whom were working lads,
with a number of men and women scattered
here and there, but all evidently interested in
the speaker, who was a well known city
missionary. The meeting was left open for
prayer, shortly after we had sat down. Some
of the petitions were evidently better intended
than expressed. For instance, one young
man with a tear in his coat, after pleading for

Alistair and the Professor, 49

the reclamation of backsliders, went on to
say, " O ! Lord, shut the gates of hell ; save
the folk ; open the windows of heaven and
shove them in/' Another following after-
wards, a working man with gray hair, said,
** O Lord, how my \i^'diXX, yearns to see the
people going down to hell ! " Such proceed-
ings as these made the meeting more interest-
ing than I thought it would be.

'* I see Stanhope making for the door,
which shows the meeting is almost over," said
Brown to me. " I think we had better go
also, and see where he is bound for."

Nothing loath to depart I assented. We
were joined in a minute by the student to
whom Geggin had drawn my attention in the
quadrangle of the University, as being one of
the most upright young men he had ever met
in with.

He shook hands with Brown, who then in-
troduced me. He had a keen, intellectual
countenance, and as he wiped the sweat from
his brow, I perceived that his forehead was
very finely formed, and I made up my mind
that he would yet make his mark in the world,
and add additional lustre to our well-known
University.

50 Student Life,

** Are you going to any place in particular
to-night ? " said Brown.

•' What time is it ? " asked Stanhope, who
I perceived had no watch.

" A quarter past nine," was the reply.

" O ! I think 1 11 have time to go up and
see Alistair Macgregor," said Stanhope.

"What!" exclaimed Brown, "are you
acquainted with that strange and eccentric
Highlandman ?"

Stanhope gave a slight laugh as he replied,
" Eccentric and strange he may be, but when
one comes directly from Tighnabruaich into
the most cultured city in Scotland, and meets
with nothing but jibes and jeers, and such
questions as, * Where have you left your
trousers ? * and, ' When did your tailor die ? '
and all this simply because he wore the dress
to which he had been used all his days, from
childhood upwards, is it to be wondered that
he took a dislike to Lowlanders, and drew in
his horns, like a snail, when touched ? I
think Highlandmen are at once the most
proud, and at the same time, the most
sensitive of all nations."

"And does he actually wear kilts at the
University?" I asked.

Alistair and the Professor. 51

" And why not ? *' said Stanhope. " There
is no special dress mentioned in the rules by
the Senatus, and you know we even don't
wear a cloak, like the students in Glasgow,
and why should a set of snobs prevent any
one from wearing the dress he chooses ? "

"Custom is a second habit," I answered,
" and if a European was to go among a set of
Africans who were unacquainted with the
ways of white men, I have no doubt they
would set him down as effeminate and vain."

" That has nothing to do with the point in
hand," said Stanhope, as we walked along.
"He has given up wearing his kilt, although
much against his will, as he said it belonged
to his uncle, who was a piper to the Duke of
Argyle, at* Inveraray ; and he considered it
would be lowering his colours if he was
tempted to do so by the taunts of the
Sassenachs. But his kilt was spoiled for
him."

" How did it happen ? " I asked.

" Brown, there, knows all about it," was
the reply. "It happened in Sellar s class.
Alistair sat on the back seat, at the end, and
one of the students procured a large lump of
rosin, and getting into the room a few minutes

52 Student Life.

before the rest, rubbed it well on the wood.
AHstair sat down, never dreaming of the trick
that was being played upon him. He never
stirred from his seat during the whole hour,
and when the time came for rising, he
couldn't do so, and Aitchison, a harum-
skarum sort of fellow, kindly whipped out a
pair of scissors, and before Alistair could
remonstrate, cut out the tartan from the
adhesive portion. I leave you to judge of
the laughter and jeers that poor Alistair had
to endure as he marched away with the rent
in his kilt. But he is a fine fellow, and here
is his lodgings. You had better come up for
a few minutes with me. He hasn't many
visitors."

" Would he not object } " I said.

" Not at all," was the reply ; " he knows
that I wouldn't bring any fellow with me to
pain or hurt him in any way." We ascended
the long flight of stairs which led to Alistair's
abode. I often used to wonder why
students preferred dwelling so high up, till
I found out it was because lodgings were
cheaper.

We found Alistair sitting on a hard
wooden chair, and wearing (as Stanhope told

Alisiair and the Professor. 53

me afterwards) the very garment which had
been so much abused.

There was very little furniture in the
room, which was of small dimensions. A
bed stood in a recess'; a chest of drawers
faced the fireplace ; a wash-hand stand stood
in a corner, and a table, two chairs, and a
stool, made up all that our Highland friend's
apartment could boast of. He greeted
Stanhope warmly, but he was rather distant
in his manner towards Brown and I, and I
regretted havingcome upon him unexpectedly.
However, I tried to put him as much at ease
as possible, and talked away on a variety of
topics, and related what I had witnessed
lately in the High Street. By and by his
manner thawed, he threw off his restraint and
talked quite freely.

I cannot give anything in the least
approaching his manner of talking, but
what he did say, I listened to with
interest.

Although it was pretty cold weather, and
hard frost at nights, there was no fire in the
grate; and I could not help admiring the
indomitable pluck and heroic endurance
which induced Alistair to come to the

54 Student Life,

University with the intention of becoming
more than a mere cottar.

" I hef just had a letter from my poor
mother at Tighnabruaich," he said, after he
had become accustomed to our presence, " and
I was fery glad to hef it. Her mother iss
glad I hef -got a Bursary."

** I am delighted to hear you say so," I
said ; " and now, when I think of it, I saw
your name, along with that of my friend
Will Black's— do you know Will ? "

** He iss a good lad," said Alistair, '* I got

a five pound Bursary, but he got a fifteen

one. I would hef had to gone home to

' Tighnabruaich to help wi' the fishing, ef I

had not won it."

" And is your mother well ? " asked Brown.

" She is fery well," was the reply. " It
wass a friend in the place that wrote the
letter, and it wass kind of him to do so."

" You must come up and spend an evening
with me," I said. " Could you come on
Friday at six ? "

'* She won't be used to company," said
Alistair, blushing slightly.

" O ! but there are several others coming
you know, Alistair," I said. " Stanhope and

A list air and the Professor: 55

Brown, and Will Black, are to be with me.
It's just to get better acquainted, you know,
and you 11 be among friends, and feel at
home."

Stanhope and Brown saw my object and
co-operated with me, and at last we succeeded
in obtaining Alistair s consent.

" I was up at Professor Blackie's, on
Christmas-day," said Alistair, after this
question had been agreeably disposed of.

" Indeed," said Stanhope, " you seem to be
a great favourite with the Professor."

" He is fery fond of the Gaelic," said
Alistair, " and told me he was sorry he was
not born a Highlandman. But he can speak
the Gaelic, and he was very kind, and I got
a good dinner. He sang two Gaelic songs,
and as I had brought my pipes, I played
some of my uncle's reels, who is piper to the
Duke at Inveraray, and I had a good time of
it, and he gave me the plaid which you see
lying on the bed there, as a Christmas
present."

"That was kind of him," I said, well know-
ing the Professor's enthusiasm for anything
appertaining to the Highlands.

" Yes, and he wass telling me that he is

56 Student Life,

going to found a Celtic chair, so that the
Gaelic will be taught in the University. Ah!
he iss a good man/'

Shortly afterwards we left. As we came
out again into the open air, I made a mental
resolution which I resolved to carry out to
the best of my ability, as I knew it would
benefit many of my fellow students, if they
took advantage of the plan I had formed in
my mind.

As Brown and I came down Chambers
Street, Stanhope having previously left us,
my companion nudged my arm as we passed
the Theatre of Varieties.

" Look there,*' he said, pointing to the
entrance.

I looked and saw Macdonald, flirting with
a female dressed like a lady, but whose
painted cheeks and loud laughter belied that
title.

"It s very sad," said Brown, **to think
that young men will frequent such places,
and hover like moths in dangerous society.
I am afraid that woman is no better than a
street walker."

The two crossed the road and entered a
public house in Infirmary street. It was

Alistair and the Professor. 57

enough for both of us. Brown and I quick-
ened our paces away from the -spot, as if the
very air was full of dreadful malaria.

" What sort of a doctor will he turn out to
be ? " said Brown.

" I am afraid he will never get that title/'
I said, as I bade him good night. " But it
sometimes happens that such fellows get on
better than others with double their ability."

But I had seen some other one at the door
of the Theatre ; a bright, fresh young face, of
whom I did not say anything. And this was
none other than Will Black.

J 8 Student Life.

Chapter V.

HARD WORKING STUDENTS

—Rsgtrs.

RIDAY night duly came
round, and with it my ex-
pected visitors. My good
landlady had made a repast
which I am sure would have
tempted the appetite of an
epicure. There was little
fancy bread, but plenty of oat-
meal cakes and scones, and
other kinds of "grub," with half a pound of
steak for each of my visitors, so that if their
inward man was not satisfied after partaking,
I could not say I was to blame.

Stanhope and Brown came punctually.
Then followed Geggin and Cowan, and Will
Black, and just as I had rung the bell for the
tea to be brought in, Alistair Macgregor

Hard Working Students. 59

entered. He had something under his arm
in a green bag. I inwardly shuddered but
said nothing, but could not help thinking
what a tremendous noise his pipes would
make in such a confined space. However, I
greeted him warmly, and after he had de-
posited his bag in a place of safety, he was
introduced to the company.

" I just thocht that the gentlemen would like
to hear the pipes, so I just brocht them wi' me,
in case you would be wantin* to hear them."

"That 's right," said Geggin. "Cowan here
will play the harmonium, and Fraser his
fiddle, and you can skirl on the bagpipes,
and I '11 wager my heid, but what we '11 have
a splendid audience at the foot o' the stair,
and on the street, listening to the beautiful
harmonious sounds, before we have been
playing for ten minutes."

" Come, gentlemen, sit down to your tea,"
I said; "we will talk about Geggin's proposal
afterwards."

" Fraser always throws a wet blanket on
me, when I suggest any original idea," said
Geggin. " However, as Solomon says there
is a time for everything, so here goes for the
beef-steak."

6o Student Life.

Every one did justice to the eatables, and
AHstair, who was dressed in his best suit of
clothes, looked a picture of satisfaction when
he laid down his knife and fork, and talked
highly in praise of the oat cakes, the like of
which he had not tasted since the last time
he paid a visit to the Castle of Inveraray,
where he was feasted by his uncle, the piper
to the Duke— as Alistair always took care to
mention. After the tea things were cleared
away by the landlady, we drew closely around
the blazing fire.

** Now, Alistair," I said, " I wish you would
give us an outline of your history, and what
induced you to come to the University."

" Since you hef been so fery kind as to gif
me such a feast, I will tell you what brought
me to the College," said Alistair. " You
must know that it was to become a scholar."

'^Indeed!" interrupted Geggin, with a
humorous twinkle in his dark eyes. " I have
no doubt you '11 be wanting to wag your pow
in a pulpit ? "

" I will do my best to do so," said Alistair,
** and then when I get a church I will bring
my good mother and make her a fine lady,
and she will not neM to keep a shop any more."

Hard Working Students, 6i

**. What did you do at Tighnabruaich ? "
asked Will Black.

** O ! I sometimes went away to the herring
fishing wi' John M'Craw, an' sometimes I
herded cattle and sheep up on the hills, but
it wass a fery hard job in the winter, as they
wandered away and got lost among the snow/*

" And was that the way you made money
to come to the University ? "

" Yes," said Alistair, " and my mother gave
me two pounds also."

''Nil desperandum! and you'll pull
through," said Geggin. "You are worth
more than a dozen of the namby-pamby
chaps, who lead fellows away to ruin by their
extravagance."

I looked hard at Will Black, but although
he caught my glance, he did not say anything.

** By the way, Geggin," said Stanhope,
" how are you getting along in your mission-
ary sphere in Rose Street ? "

" No bad ava," was the reply ; " I 'm
winning my way into favour. But there's
an unco lot o' Roman Catholics about the
place. It's hard work, but I like it, and the
Lord has been pleased to bless some o' my
work already. I '11 tell you how I get into

62 Student Life,

strange houses — that's places where I ha'e
never been afore, I mean. I knock at the
door, an' whenever the guidwife comes wi*
the bairn in her arms — it 's an awfu' place for
bairns — I chuck the wee thing under the chin
wi' my finger, and say, ' That s a braw bairn ;
how auld may it be ? Has she ony teeth ? '
Of course, when I tell my errand, the mother
bids me come inside, an' very likely there 's
twa-three mair weans lying playing on the
floor, so I pat them on the head, an' some-
times take ane on my knees and talk
away to him an' his mither, an' then by-an-
by the conversation wears round to divine
things, an' after reading and praying I come
away, and generally get an invitation to come
back as soon as possible. If ministers would
not stand on such a lofty pedestal, they
would do more good if there was less starch
in their neckties."

At this stage, Alistair cast such longing
looks at the green bag, that I could not
resist him ; and accordingly he treated
us to a few reels, played with the full
vigour of his lungs, while he marched
up and down the room "as proud as a
piper."

Hard Working Students, 63.

** There s nothing can beat the pipes,'*
said Alistair, as he concluded.

I perfectly agreed with him on this point.

" I say, Stanhope," said Geggin, " you and
Alistair seem to have had an equal struggle
to get here."

" Perhaps so," was the reply ; " and that 's
the reason why Scotchmen never know when
they are beat. They keep peggin' away "

" Until they make a Bannockburn," inter-
rupted Cowan.

" Exactly ; and then all former defeats are
forgotten when success crowns their efforts.
My father was a Dunfermline weaver," con-
tinued Stanhope, "and I do not mean to
speak any ill of him, when I say he was fond
of a dram. There were five others beside
myself in the family, and it took a hard struggle
on my mother's part to make both ends meet.
Many a time there wasn't a bit of bread in
the house. Drink is Scotland's curse ; and as
long as a Government is upheld by the revenue
from that which makes devils of men and tigers
of women, and ruins homes and hearths, it
is just trafficking in the blood of souls."

" Do you mean to say a publican cannot
be a Christian man } " asked Will Black.

^4 Student Life.

** True Christianity is shown by a man's
works," said Stanhope, " and the devil never
found a better agent to people his kingdom
than strong drink ; and if a man can stand
behind a bar and look on his customers, and
see their tatters and rags, their hollow glazed
eyes and shaking hands, and say he is a
Christian, I tell you he is a liar! He is play-
ing into the hands of his father the devil !
But I am away from my subject. My father
died while in delirium tremens^' said Stan-
hope, "and I will never forget the sight till
the end of my life. Well, my mother
managed to give us a kind of schooling, and
by and by my brothers got into situations,
and things began to improve somewhat.

" I go to the weaving every summer, and
.save enough to pay my class fees for the
winter session. But it s always a struggle.
However, God helps those who help them-
selves, as I have found out on more than one
occasion. It was only last Friday night,
when I came home to my lodgings, I found I
had no funds to purchase anything for break-
fast. I went down on my knees and took
the case to the Lord, and about the middle of
next day I got some teaching to do, and I

Hard Working Students. 65

always manage to keep my head above
water."

"And how do you manage to attend so
many meetings ? " I asked.

" By doing one thing at a time," was the
enigmatical answer.

I thought it would be time to mention the
plan, I had formed, to the meeting.

" Don't you think it would be a good
thing if we formed ourselves into a kind of
society, so as to help each other by mutual
counsel and support } " I said.

" How ? " said Geggin.

" By meeting here once a month," I
answered. " Let one of us, for instance, take
a paper bearing on practical Christianity, let
him read it, and then permit any one to
make remarks thereon who likes. We must
endeavour to get as many first year students
as possible, because I am sure many of them
are led into bad courses by older students. I
have no doubt it would be the means of
benefiting many."

" It's a kind of thing that should do good,
and I propose that we meet here, with
Eraser's permission, this day week."

It was agreed upon to do this, as the
proposal met with the approval of all.

E

66 Student Life.

" It *s time something of the kind was
instituted/* said Cowan. ** You know Camp-
bell, don't you ? "

"He that's coming out for a medical
missionary ? '* I said.

"Yes, the same one," was the reply.

" Well, he was telling me that the Professor
in giving a lecture in the class-room the
other week, said, * Gentlemen, people used to
believe in the immortality of the soul. But
all that thing has been done away with now-
a-days. No one believes in such stuff, except
a few old wives. We have got beyond that
stage."

"No wonder there are so many sceptics
going out into the world," said Geggin. " I
have a shrewd guess who that same Professor
is ; but there are others who set a loftier
example, and who help to send the students
out to battle with the world in a higher
strength than their own."

" I will need to be going," said Will Black,
looking at his watch, and then hurriedly
rising.

" Sit down, man," I said, " it 's only nine
o'clock; and you might wait for Alistair
Macgregor. He goes your road I believe."

Hard Working Students. 67

" I can't wait," said Will ; " I made an
appointment with some friends, and I do not
like to break any engagement which I
make."

" I thought you would have waited for
supper," I said, as I stood in the lobby and
helped him on with his overcoat.

" I couldn 't take any," was the reply.
" And I must thank you for your kindness."

" I say, Will, you know I have been longer
in town than you have, and I wouldn't like
to see you going to the bad in any way."

" There 's no fear of that," said Will, with
a laugh.

" How often have you been to the theatre
since you came to town ? " I asked abruptly.

He started involuntarily at my question,
which I saw was quite unexpected.

" Oh ! just once or twice," he said,
endeavouring to speak as carelessly as he
could. " I wanted a little relaxation."

'* A dangerous kind of relaxation to indulge
in," I said. " I am afraid your mother at
Millport would not like you to frequent such
places."

*' I 'm not going to stand here to be
preached to," said Will, opening the door.

68 Student Life,

" If I had known you were going to do so, I
wouldn't have come. I am not a baby in*
leading strings."

I felt sorry for him, and a little hurt also at
his rudeness.

" Good night, Will," I said, shaking hands
with him. " Don't be offended at what I
have said. Are you acquainted with Mac-
donald, one of the medicals ? "

" Yes. I met him — " and here he
stopped. " I have known him for some time..
But I will need to hurry. Good-night,"
and away he went before I could utter another
word.

I returned to the room, but did not feel so*
able to take part in the conversation as.
before.

My guests departed shortly after ten o'clock..
Alistair Macgregor said, " I thank you very
much for your treat, Mr Fraser. I have not.
enjoyed myself so much since I came to
Edinburgh."

I was more than repaid when Alistair
said this. He went down the street playing
the " Campbells are coming," but apparently^
had just reached the foot of the street when
it came to a sudden end ; and I learnt next

Hard Working Students. 69

morning that an officious policeman had put
a damper on the Highlander's spirits by
prohibiting him from playing, thus exceeding
the limits of his duty, I am afraid.

It was late that night before I retired to
rest. I had much to think about, and felt
uneasy about Will Black ; for I felt sure that
if he and Macdonald, who was well off, went
to theatres and public houses, Will's career
would be a short and melancholy one.

Student Life.

Chapter VI.

A MEDICAL'S STORY.

" For some are meant to right illegal wrongs,
And some for Doctors of Divinitie."

—Heod.

HREE fourths of the session
had now run its course, and
I had been busy working up
for my " pass " examination
in Classics, when, as I strolled
inside the quadrangle one
morning, I was greeted
with, "Hullo! what's up this
morning ? Surely the Pro-
fessor has taken a fit of the gout. Come and
read this, Fraser."

I went forward, until I reached a small
knot of students gathered round the entrance
door to the Greek Class, among whom I
recognised a number who were more inclined
for fun than study on too many occasions.
There was a notice posted up on the door.

A MedicaVs Story. 71

I got near enough to read it : " The Professor
of Greek will be unable to meet his classes
to-day''

" Is there anything wrong with Blackie ? '*
I asked Chapman, the janitor, who came up
at this moment.

" I don't think it is anything serious," was
the reply. "He was lecturing at the Literary
Institute last night. Perhaps he made too
many jokes."

" What was his subject ? "

" It was something about the effects of
humour and wit on a Gaelic constitution,"
said Chapman. " Blackie has got an idea
into his head, that the language of the High-
lands is dying out ; so he was advocating the
cause of the dying. He must have hurt
himself. I believe he wants to raise ten
thousand pounds to found a Chair."

** That *s not bad of Blackie, I must sav. I
wonder if the Senatus would make him Pro-
fessor of Celtic, if he is successful in raising
the money ? "

"There's no saying what they will do,"
said Chapman. "They might appoint a
worse man than Blackie. He seems imbued
with the very spirit that goes to make up the

72 Student Life.

Highland bard. But what is up with you
fellows there ? "

There was evidently some fun going on,
for there was much laughing and joking heard
behind us.

" Oh ! it 's only a bit of fun we are playing
off on the Professor," Said Aitchison. " We
have simply changed the notice, so that it
reads that Blackie will be unable to meet his
lasses to-day" — and here he burst into a
laugh.

** That 's not bad for you, Aitchison," said
Chapman, as he walked away ; " but the
Professor will likely pay you back for all this."

And the janitor was right. The Professor
came round an hour afterwards, and observing
the notice, again altered it, so that it read:
"The Professor will be unable to meet his
asses to-day." And so, after all, Blackie had
the best of the joke.

As the examination for classics was to take
place in two days, I took as much advantage
of the Reading Room as possible, looking
over as many Calendars as I could ; as it gave
me a good idea of the nature of the questions
which would be asked, as the previous ex-
amination ones were all printed. There was

A MeduaVs Story, 73

no charge made for consulting books in the
Reading Room. The place was fully taken
advantage of by students, and they could
be seen with Latin and Greek dictionaries,
translations, and other books, busily copying
into their note books, or quietly reading;
while some of their " chums," seeing them so
engrossed, made little caps of paper, and
set them cautiously on the top of their heads,
causing a tittering and joking all around the
victim, heightened, of course, by the latter's
unconsciousness of it. It was sometimes
very ludicrous to notice several of the students
gathered together for a friendly confab, when,
all at once the librarian would give a sudden
" wheesh-h-h ! " For an instant there would be
perfect silence, only to be succeeded by a
sudden shuffling of a hundred pairs of feet,
and ejaculations of " tut, tut, tut," till things
gradually settled down to their ordinary mood.

Some one suddenly tapped me on the
shoulder, while I was examining the Calendars.

Hullo ! Fraser, studying up for the exam } "
I am trying to do so," I answered, as I
recognised Jack Macdonald. His father was
proprietor of a brewery, so that he never
wanted funds.

74 Student Life.

" You have my best wishes for your success,"
said Macdonald. " I can tell you the exam-
ination I had last October nearly floored me,
but I pulled through. I had to drink several
bottles of brandy, and a dozen or two of beer,
before I recovered from the loss of so much
brain power. But I take it pretty easy now."

"Indeed!"

"Yes. I rather like the dissecting room.
By the way, Fraser, you should have been
there yesterday afternoon."

" I 'm not a * medical/ " I said.

" Oh ! I forgot that," was the reply. " It
was quite a sensation scene, I assure you.
Young Macnab, whose father has any amount
of money, you know, stood close to the table
with the rest of us where the body was lying,
and a shrunken specimen of humanity it was."

" Wheesh-h-h ! " came the librarian's warn-
ing to keep silence, like the hissing of a
serpent. Macnab merely turned his head
towards the librarian, and said, " That fellow
is an awful duffer, never mind him. But
about young Macnab; he is a nervous
fellow, you know. He looked at the corpse
on the table, while the demonstrator was
making an incision near the heart ; and then.

A MeduaVs Story. 75

all of a sudden, I heard a slight exclamation^
and then saw Macnab^s face turn ashy gray,
and then he fainted — by no means the first
case I assure you."

" So I suppose," I answered.

" Purdie and I carried him outside. For-
tunately I had my pocket pistol with me ; sa
after he began to revive I gave him a pull at
it, which gradually brought back the colour
to his cheeks.

" What frightened you so } " asked Purdie.

"It was my brother I saw on the dissecting
table," said Macnab.

"What!" we both exclaimed, "your brother!
How comes this about .»* "

Macnab gave a groan as he said, "He did
something a number of years ago which my
father did not approve of; so he ran away
from home, leaving no address, and I have
never seen him from that period till to-day."

" I can tell you, Fraser, I felt sorrow for
the beggar. Macnab thinks his brother was
married, too. It looks bad ! "

" There is something underneath it all
which neither you nor I understand" I
said.

" I shouldn't wonder," said Macdonald, as.

76 Stttcient Life,

he left the place where I was sitting to go
and talk with some one else.

After leaving the Reading Room, I met
Chapman outside. He kindly invited me up
to inspect the Library Hall, as I had only
obtained a very cursory glimpse of it on
occasions.

"Did you ever see Napoleon the First^s
table ? '' he asked.

" Not that I am aware of," I replied, as we
entered the Hall.

" Well, there it is,'* and here he pointed to
an octagonal shaped table, at which the exam-
iner usually sat.

" How did it come here ? " I said. " Was it
a gift ? "

'' You can ascertain that for yourself ; " and
here, undoing the clasp which held the table
firmly down, it was put up on edge. I per-
ceived a small plate some two inches long,^
with an inscription which read as follows : —
*' This table, which was used by the Emperor
Napoleon for breakfast, dinner, and supper,
during his residence in Longwood, at St.
Helena, was purchased for Mr Robert Maine
of the Hon. East India Civil Service in 1822,
by Mr A. Darling, Merchant in the Island,

A Medicars Story. 79

and Contractor for the Longwood Establish-
ment." Then followed an inscription in
French, and then the words : — " Presented to
the Library of the University of Edinburgh,
by R. Maine, Esq., H.E.I.C.S., 2nd March,
1844."

"That is decidedly something worth
having," I said. " If the table could speak,
there would be many strange things said.
Poor Nap ! "

"A blood-thirsty villain," said Chapman.
" I don't think he is in the least deserving of
any one's sympathy. He Waded through
carnage and blood to a throne, and just got
what he deserved in the long run."

"We don't all get what we deserve," I
said ; " but do you recollect anything about
Dr Chalmers ? "

I said this to change the subject, as I had
a sort of hero worship for Napoleon.

Chapman shook his head as he replied,
" No, that was before my time; but Professor
Masson, I believe, can tell some good stories
about him. I suppose you know the Divinity
Hall ? "

I have never been inside of it," I replied.
Well, as I have a few minutes to spare, I

8o Student Life.

can take you there. " It was on the right side of
the quadrangle, entering off the street, up a
flight of narrow stone stairs. It was a very
dingy and dark looking place, with a gallery
supported by iron pillars, over the back seats,
and on a level with the pulpit — one of these
old fashioned tub looking affairs, where an
energetic preacher would be "cribbed,
cabined, and confined."

" Masson told me that Chalmers always
opened the class by prayer, which he had
written down on a slip of paper," said Chap-
man. "It was sometimes very amusing, I
was told, when Chalmers, instead of beginning
the prayer, would mutter something, descend
from the pulpit, and go in haste to the vestry,
raising the curiosity of the students, so that
most of their reverential mood was done
away with when he returned. Once he
raised his hands in the attitude of prayer, and
then muttered, *My artificial teeth have gone
wrong/ so that Crawford, an old student, who
is a minister now, and sometimes pays me a
visit, burst into a kind of stifled laughter at
the absurdity of the thing. But Chalmers
was a splendid speaker, and was often
interrupted by applause. He was a unique

A MedicaVs Story. 8i

man as much as Blackie is now a days,
although in quite a different way."

** Didn't Masson publish something about
Chalmers ? "

"Yes. In Macmillaiis Magazine, I be-
lieve," was the reply.

" Oh ! yes, I remember the article per-
fectly," I said. " There was one phrase
used by the Professor which struck me as
very high praise, at the time."

'* What was it ? " asked Chapman, as we
descended the stair in single file. I had to
wait till I got to the foot before replying.

"It was simply this," I replied, " Merely
to look at Chalmers, day after day, was a
liberal education."

"And yet his writings, are little read by
students attending the University, I believe,"
said Chapman. "Such is fame, like the
unsteady, flickering flame of a lamp, which a
gust of wind may suddenly extinguish, or a
greater light put in the shade."

F

Student Life.

Chapter VII.
I PASS IN "CLASSICS."

" Du hast das nicht, was Andre haheti.
Und Andem mangeln deine Gaben ;
Aus dieser Unvollkommenheit
EntspringeC die Geselligkeil."

—GilUrl.

MAN AGED to pull through
my examination successfully.
Fortunately for me the Latin
extracts from Cicero's De
Offiicis, and Livy, were ones
which I was familiar with,
although the Iliad puzzled
me somewhat. The paper
in Mathematics was some-
thing at which I inwardly shuddered. I was
never good at Mathematics, and my brain
got so confused that my scholastic barque
became nearly a wreck through them. This
circumstance brings to my recollection an
instance in the career of Professor Blackie,
when he was a student at Aberdeen Uniyer-

/ Pass in '^C lassies!' 83

sity. He was, and is, a splendid Hellenist,
but was always " plucked " in Mathematics.

In a book which I borrowed recently from
the Library, and written by Blackie himself,
I found this written after his name, in pencil
— "plucked five times in Mathematics!"
which I believe is pretty near the truth : so
that the Greek Professor never received his
M.A., although higher honours were con-
ferred upon him.

I was gratified, several days after the
examination, at finding I had "passed,"
although only 65 per cent, was marked after
my name.

Meanwhile, before this- had taken place
several important things had occurred. The
suggestion I had thrown out in January
previous had taken effect, and a society had
been formed, wherein many vital points were
discussed, and it was the means of bringing
many Christian lads into closer contact with
each other. It was true there was a meeting
for prayer every Saturday morning during the
winter session, within the walls of the Univer-
sity, which had been founded when M*Cheyne,
and Burns the Chinese missionary were
students at our Alma Mater; but young

84 Student Life.

students were shy of attending such meetings.

After the meeting was over, there was
usually a discussion took place on various
matters, one of which I noted down and
mention here.

" I cannot bear the idea of ministers in
comfortable manses, with splendid incomes,
talking about the few labourers in the foreign
field," said Cowan, " when they do precious
little to help them/'

Cowan was a hard working student, and a
friend of Geggin's ; and besides, he was an
orphan, and was maintained at the University
through the liberality of a maiden aunt, who
resided somewhere up in the Orkneys.

"It's the drone bee that makes the most
noise," said Aitchison, who has been casually
mentioned in regard to the Alistair Macgregor
kilt affair. " How many ministers' names do
you ever observe in the lists of charities they
advocate ? Why, I knew a case of a man —
an elder in a Free Church — in this city, who
was a perfect pest in asking people to give to
the Sustentation Fund ; and yet who only
gave three halfpence per month himself! "
Is that true, Aitchison ? " said Cowan.
Perfectly true," was the reply. ** I can

/ Pass in ''Classics J' 85

give you the man's name, if you like; he
stays down in your direction. This same elder
never got any money from a certain house he
went to visit in the Canongate, as the man
always pleaded he had nothing to give. The
elder was going away in despair one day,
when a lucky idea flashed through his brain.
" Do you shave ? " says he to the man.
**Yes, I go to the barber's thrice a week."
" And how much does that cost you ? "
" Sixpence." " Well, 1 11 tell you what I will
do," said the elder, " I '11 buy you a razor at
sevenpence ; you can shave yourself at home,
and give the money saved to the Sustentation
Fund, after paying me the price of my razor! "

This story was greeted with a shout of
laughter, being deemed incredible; but
Aitchison satisfied all the sceptics by giving
the name and address of both parties.

" What do you intend coming out for "i "
asked Geggin of Aitchison.

" Oh ! I don't know yet," was the reply.
'* But I think I '11 go in for the ministry,
by-and-by. It 's just a profession."

Aitchison had been some five sessions at
the- University, but had never put any
definite aim of work before himself.

86 Student Life.

"And do you intend to look upon it in the
same light ? "

**And why not?" said Aitchison, "It's
an occupation that pays well, and you have a

fine easy time of it, while you have an en-
trance into the elite of society."

" It seems a splendid business," said
Geggin, with quiet sarcasm.

" There 's no doubt about it," was the
reply. " You may talk as you like, about the
indifference of ministers to worldly advance-
ment and monetary matters, but there is not
a better race of speculators extant. They
never leave their congregations because of
the salaries they receive, oh no ! They are
always called to a larger sphere of usefulness,
or some humbugging thing of that sort.
And can you tell me of a minister, in any
church, .who does not know where to go for a
wife ? They alw^ays manage to fall in love
with the lady, in their district or out of it,
who possesses the largest purse ! "

" You have very strange notions of what a
minister's duty really is," said Geggin. "A
man should never think of qualifying himself
for the ministry unless he is a converted man.
Are you that ? As you cannot find a

/ Pass in ''C lassies T 87

congregation with perfect unity in all points,
you must not expect ministers without a flaw.
Ministers are but men ; and if we examined
ourselves thoroughly, we would have less
fault to find with our neighbours. Christ is
to be our Master and Pattern ; and the
more we follow His example the better for
us all. But as it is time for me to go, I
suppose you 11 accompany me ? "

"Certainly," said Aitchison, and they left
shortly afterwards.

What Geggin said, I know not; but
Alistair Macgregor was delighted to receive,
a few days afterwards, a guinea from an
unknown quarter, "to replace the damage
done to his kilt several months previous."
Stanhope had told me, it will be remembered,
that it was Jack Aitchison who had played
the trick upon Alistair, more to raise a laugh
at his expense, than from any evil intention
towards him.

I did not, unfortunately, manage to see
Will Black before he went away to Millport.
I was sorry for this, as since the night I had
spoken to him about going to the theatre, I
thought he rather shunned me. I had seen
him walking several times arm-in-arm with

88 Student Life.

Macdonald, who I felt sure would be doing
him no good. AH things, however, are easy
to a man who calculates, while everything is
difficult to a fool. Will did not belong to
either category, but seemed to me to be a
passive instrument in the hands of an unscru-
pulous student. A good name is easier lost
than won ; and I was glad that the recess had
come, so that he was free, for a time at least,
from Macdonald's "set"; and I trusted that
when he came back to the University, he
would come with higher aims and firmer
principles, to be an honour to his parents, as
well as a humble ornament to his country.

University Abuses.

Chapter VIII.
university abuses.

"'Tis with our judgments as our watches;
Are just alike, yet each beLeves hb own.

NLIKE Will Black, I did not
return home to Millport, as
I had succeeded in obtaining
a number of pupils, who
would require teaching for
three months to come. I
was sorry to stay away from
home, but I was also glad to
think that by this means I
would be a less burden on my parents.

My youthful dreams of a minister's duties,
when I first entered the Arts course, which
extended to three, and in some cases four
years, were very original, if I may so speak
of them, A minister was a man with fine
white hands, a ring on the third finger, fine
perfumed moustaches, and who preached a
sermon, or rather read an essay, to hurt

90 Student Life.

nobody's feelings, and to lull the congregation
into a delightful sense of self complacency.
When I obtained this portraiture of a minister
I know not ; but although many years have
passed away since then, my youthful ideal
has been realised. I confess I have seen

such a man in a certain church in G , at

the back of which, in the quiet and hallowed
graveyard, sleeps Burns's Highland Mary.

I only saw the preacher once, and heard
him preach once. I can still remember his
text, and the person who sat in front of the
gallery, busily engaged in perusing a volume
of essays or a novel, and can recollect the
calm dignity of the minister, as he glanced at
the offender and said, " I will thank the
gentleman in the gallery to stop reading
while I am preaching, as I dislike such con-
duct."

I thought it was delightful to lay down the
law to a number of people and meet with
no opposition.

But now when I had finished two sessions
of my college career, my mind had enlarged,
and my views changed on these points. And
I came to see that visiting and praying with
the sick, of being where trouble and disease

University Abuses. 91

was, required something else than a mere
foppish exterior, or intellectual attainments.
A minister required to be a follower of Jesus
Christ; and what would happen if he were not
even a disciple, and following afar off? A
man could not be a soul saver unless he was
out of the wilderness of bondage, and saved
himself.

I managed to take a run home to Millport
in August. How I did enjoy the fresh sea
breezes, and the joyous sunshine which never
seemed to look so bright anywhere else ! I
found my father and mother in good healthy
and, needless to state, I spent a very happy
time with them, talking of university themes
and college life.

Although I called frequently on the Rev.
Mr Black, I never saw Will ; he was away
visiting some friends, near Loch Lomond. I
helped my father a little at his loom, and the
time sped all too swiftly for me, and I was
quite home sick for the first few days after I
returned to Edinburgh, when the Winter
Session was opened. But gloomy thoughts
were soon banished as familiar student faces
came crowding round me. Many a time I
wondered to myself, how so many parents

•92 Student Life.

•could afiford to keep their sons at the
University ; and if I could only have probed
beneath the surface, what wonderful experi-
ence might have been mine !

Will Black, as if there had never been any
dryness between us, came rushing up to me,
shook my hand heartily while he said : "How
are you, Fraser ? "

" Thank you. Will ; I am first-class," I
replied. " I am glad to see you so fresh
looking. How are you all at home ?"

" I suppose you mean mother ? " Will said.
'' The dear body is just as usual. But you
must come up to my diggings to-night. I
have got my trunk well filled with good
things, and you '11 get a bit o' the salmon I
brought with me. It was caught yesterday
in Loch Eck, and given me by my cousin,
who is a fisher."

"Your cousin seems to be a splendid
fellow," I said.

" Isn't he, though ! " exclaimed Will. " I
only wish you knew him. He stays in one
of the loveliest spots on the Clyde, at Kilmun,
some four miles from Loch Eck, and he is a
great spouter of poetry and such like."

"Some people in this world get a large

University Abuses. 93.

share of the good things of this life," I said.
" But look here, Will ; here is a capital joke.
' The Professor of Natural History will be
glad if the student who took away his front
TEETH from the Class Room, will kindly
return them! "

While we were laughing at this notice,.
Cowan, who I thought was looking harassed
and ill, came up and said, " I see you are
laughing at that foolish joke. It seems that
some student, whether through fun or malice,
has taken away several front teeth belonging
to a Gorilla, and the notice has been altered,
to turn the joke on the Professor. It's
about as much worth as scratching out the
lower half of the letter B, when a notice is
posted up, saying, ' No Bills are Allowed.' "

"We might have known it was a joke,
Fraser," said Will, after Cowan left us.
" How has Blackie been conducting himself
during the recess ? "

"Oh! about his usual," I replied. "He
said a very smart thing the other night in a
lecture he gave, when referring to the false
claims of Rome."

" Indeed, what w^s it ? "

"He was endeavouring to combat the idea

94 Student Life.

respecting what several enthusiastic Roman-
ists hold, that the very chair in which the
Pope sat when in Council, was the identical
one used by Peter the disciple."

"What stuff and nonsense!" said Will.
*' Who would believe such arrant humbug ?
What did Blackie say to that idea ? "

** Oh ! " I answered, " Blackie said he
quite believed the story: for if what they said
was true, then it was in that very chair that
Peter sat when he denied his Master, and that
was what the Popes of Rome had been doing
all along ! "

"Capital!" said Will. " That ^s like
Blackie, and straight from the shoulder.
But you will come up to my diggings to-
night, Eraser ? "

"I will try to do so," I answered. I
managed to do so. He stayed quite near to
the University, in Lothian Street, and had
the same rooms he had occupied the previous
year. The dining room was large and airy,
and a number of good engravings, with two
pictures in oils hung on the walls. One of
the latter, the portrait of a very nice looking
girl seemingly about thirteen years of age,
attracted my attention at once.

University Abuses, 95

" Who is that, Will ? " I asked.

" Oh ! I beUeve that is the portrait of the
landlady's daughter," he said.

"She seems good looking," I said. "Has
it been taken recently ? "

" Her mother is a widow, and has no
money now-a-days to waste on such things,"
he replied. "It was taken some seven years
^g"o> by a brother of hers who was an artist,
but died abroad."

"You seem to have come to pretty snug
quarters," I said.

Will, whether unintentionally or not, ignored
the meaning of my question, as he answered
^' Yes ; I get every attendance, and feel as
comfortable as if I was at home. But haul
in your chair and sit down."

" Are you not expecting any others 1 " I
asked in some surprise, thinking that the table
was too heavily laden for even two students
to make much impression on.

" I quite forgot, Fraser," he said. " Please
excuse my forgetfulness. But here they are,"
and at this moment Alistair Macgregor and
Andrew Geggin stepped into the room. We
sat down. The salmon, brought in by the
landlady's daughter, was really splendid ;

96 Student Life,

while the home baked scones and cakes dis-
appeared with marvellous rapidity.

" You '11 be going to take Logic and Meta-
physics this year, I suppose, Will ? " asked
Geggin.

"Yes, I intend doing so. My uncle has been
helping me a bit during the recess, so I think
I will be able to take the Moral Philosophy
also, and manage my other classes besides,
easily."

"We have good teachers in both depart-
ments," said Geggin. " I like Calderwood's
lectures very much. He is what the Scotch
divines of the old school would call a ' sound
man,' on most points. But you will need to
exercise your reasoning powers, Will, my boy ;
and if you don't get floored with that hydra-
headed thing called Logic, you will be a lucky
fellow. Why, Fraser there could easily prove
to you that you have no existence at all."

** On earth there 's nothing great but man.
In man there's nothing great but mind," I
quoted.

" There is one thing, however, I would like
reformed in University training," said Geggin.
"When at home all that I read was carefully
watched, and no impure literature of any

University Abuses, * 97

kind was allowed in the house. This was
quite right. But look at the kind of abomin-
able stufif some of the Professors go in for
now-a-days. I tell you, Fraser, it 's a scandal
and a disgrace to any great training school.
I don't go in for being so strait-laced as the
university authorities were over in Mel-
bourne or Sydney, I forget which."

" What happened there } " asked Will.

"Why, the Professors of Rhetoric had
intimated in their Calendar, that Sir Walter
Scott's Marmion would be used as one of the
class books, at the next session ; but some of
the Roman Catholic big wigs got up an
agitation about there being something against
their religion in it, so they appealed to the
Senatus to prohibit it, with the result that the
Senatus had to cave in, although it was a loss
to several booksellers who had laid in a
stock."

" Such arrant asses ! " exclaimed Will.

" Who are ? " I asked.

"Why, these crotchety people," was the
reply. " It will only make a run for the
book with the general public. Human
nature contains a vast amount of that by
which Pandora was supposed to let loose

G

98 Stttdent Life.

upon the world all the evils that afflict it.
But what were you going to say about our
Alma Mater, Geggin ?"

" Simply this, that very impure books are
chosen by the Greek and Latin Professors to
enable the students to get an insight into the
true nature of the writers of bygone ages.
Look at Lucian for instance, or Catullus, or
even Ltccretius. They talk about Rabelais
being immoral ! I would like to know if the
reading of the writers I have named is not
calculated to develop the latent evil lying
dormant in every heart. And it only whets
curiosity to know more, and so leads from
bad to worse. I think there should be a
greater striving to keep the young students'
minds uncontaminated, at least while inside
the walls of the University."

" It*s all very true what you say," I said;
"but teaching from these books is not
confined to our University alone. There are
greater sinners to be found elsewhere; and
really, a classical education is essentially
necessary to understand many faiths and
beliefs, of which we would otherwise be
ignorant of."

" That doesn't make things any better,'* said

University Abuses. 99

AUstair, taking part in the topic under
discussion for the first time. " What is not
allowed in any public school, should not be
allowed to be taught in any university. Two
wrongs do not make a right. A university
life has more dangers than parents suppose,
unless they have gone through a classical
education themselves. Why, one of the
Librarians in the Reading Room told me
last session, that there were many students
who would not take a Greek or Latin text
unless they got the * crib ' along with it."

" And what do you infer from that ? " I
asked, glad to notice that Alistair's mode of
speaking and expressing himself had greatly
improved since he had first entered the town.

"It shews another defect in the system
of admitting students to a university cur-
riculum," said Alistair, wandering a little from
the subject in hand, however. " If a student
cannot read a Greek or Latin author, or make
sense of the text by the aid of a dictionary,
he should go back to school again."

" Hear ! hear ! " said Will.

" I think Alistair is pretty correct in his
views," I said. " But there are other things
which need reforming as well as these."

lOO Student Life.

" Fire away, Fraser," said Geggin. " Out
with your complaint."

"It is not exactly a complaint," I said.
"It is more in the way of a defect than
anything else. I think, then, that no Professor
should be . allowed to examine his own
students at a pass examination, or to draw up
the questions."

"That's a sore which will not be easily
healed, I am afraid," said Geggin. "Why,
take for instance the way one of the Professors
in the University does. He has published a
book. Most students possess it, and he
reads several pages of it to them every day
the class meets, and then the same Professor
draws up the questions, based on these
lectures, which they have, or should have, by
heart. That is not doing justice by any
means, — it 's too mechanical work, — although
some of the students may have a difficulty in
answering the questions."

" Every man is a splendid politician at his
own fireside," said Alistair. " I am afraid, to
attempt to reform the things we have spoken
of to-night, would just be like the thrown
away energy of Sisyphus."

As I had to make arrangements for a

University Abuses. loi

bicycle run to RosHn, a place some seven
miles from the town, I took my leave, hoping
the happy day would soon dawn, when
anything that had a tendency to drag the
wheels of spiritual progress would be done
away with.

Student Life.

A GRASSMARKET ADVENTURE.

HOMAS COWAN was one
of these quiet, hard plodding
students, who seemed always
at work. He took very
little relaxation, and the con-
sequence was that he had a
careworn appearance, and
it seemed as if he carried
double the cares of any other
individual.

He was Treasurer of the University
Prayer Meeting, and a most earnest and
conscientious worker. He got me prevailed
upon to attend it, and after that was accom-
plished I was rarely absent. There would be
some twelve hundred Arts students or more
at the University ; but although the Saturday
meeting for prayer was well known among

A Grassmarket Adventure, 103

them, there was rarely more than thirty
present. Some of the students were quite
above attending such meetings ; and when
invited to attend, flatly said they did not want
to become *' goody-goody " and better than
their neighbours.

After I had attended the meetings for
several consecutive mornings, I found out
the real reason of their absence. It was not
because they did not want to be better than
their fellow students, although what they
meant by the word " oetter " would be some-
what difficult to define. It was simply, as I
found out in my own experience, that they
would need to give up frequenting doubtful
places of amusement, and other bad habits, if
they became members of the Association for
Prayer ; and as they were not prepared to do
this, they stayed away.

One benefit leads on to another. Not
content with getting me to join the Prayer
Meeting, which was conducted on the same
principle as those in connection with churches.
Cowan also prevailed upon me to join the
Total Abstinence Society, and the Missionary
Association. I had always been a teetotaller,
believing that drink works more ruin than

I

104 Student Life.

anything else ; but when one gets acquainted
with people of similar views, it tends to
strengthen and develop them. Professor
Calderwood was the president of the Total
Abstinence Society. He made an admirable
one ; and when he gave an address, it was
pregnant with practical truths.

As the Missionary Association met at ten
o'clock on the Saturdays, I could only attend
it occasionally. It was intended to stimulate
and encourage the zeal of those who intended
becoming workers in the vineyard of the one
great Master. Geggin and Cowan were
members of all the Associations I have men-
tioned, as was also Stanhope, and a goodly
number of kindred spirits.

Will Black fought shy of all these places.
If he went to church twice a day, he did not
see the use of turning a week day into a
Sabbath. He and I had ever remained
good friends, and I trusted that the combined
influence of Geggin, Cowan, Stanhope and
myself would yet turn the scale, and he
would become more steadfast, and determined
to follow out in its higher aspects the career
which he had mapped out for himself. I
think most people are quite unaware, or do

A Grassmarket Adventure, 105

not think of the unconscious influence which
other minds exert over their own. Our
actions and conduct in life is a perpetual
sermon either for good or evil.

Stanhope was a student with whom you
would not very likely care to be seen with
in fashionable society. In fact he was one of
those kind of people whom polite society
would count a perfect nuisance. But yet, all
the same, he was vastly superior to such
particular persons, who would not be able to
take their part in conversation, if they knew
there was a minute speck of dust on their
shirt front.

** I wish, Fraser, that you would come

along and hear Dr K ," he said to me

one day, as we met on the street.

**I suppose he will be worth hearing," I said.

" I wouldn't have asked you, if I thought
otherwise," he answered.

I agreed to go ; so on the following Sabbath,
I found myself, along with Stanhope, sitting
in the church. The church was but sparsely
attended ; but I did not look upon this as a
bad sign, for I had found out that the most
evangelical and. practical preachers have
seldom the largest congregations.

io6 Student Life,

The subject was "the influence of con-
version on a man's daily life." The sermon
was exceedingly well handled, and it was
listened to with great attention. I do not
intend to insert here a sermon in full, like a
certain voluminous author of the present
day; but there was one point in particular,
which certainly shewed that the preacher was
a man who was not afraid to ask knotty
questions.

" Well, what do you think of the sermon ? "

" I don't feel very comfortable in my mind,"
I said. " But there was one point which Dr
K — raised, that is not easily answered."

" What was that ? " asked Stanhope.

"Why,'' I said, "he asked, and almost
answered in the negative, his own question,
which he propounded. Can a publican be a
really converted man, and continue to sell
that which ruins body and soul ? "

" I think he was perfectly right in leading
his hearers to understand that it was hypocrisy
to suppose a publican could. No man can
serve two masters; and a publican pleases
the devil by polluting the temple of God,
muddling the man's brains, and blasting his
hopes of eternity."

A Grassmarket Adventure. 107

"We are told to judge not," I said.

" Why," said Stanhope, ** our life is a con-
tinued act of sitting in judgment on other
people. It is by judging of a man's works
that we are able to discern, according to our
own preconceived opinions, whether they
tend to good or evil ; and if my father died of
delirium tremens through drink given by a
publican, is the seller not worse than the man
with the depraved appetite ? No, no, Fraser ;
if a publican was really a converted man, he
would try to please Christ his Master, by
working His works."

"It may be all very true what you say," I
said, "but I cannot exactly go your length
and agree with you on this subject."

" A really converted man is prepared at all
times to forsake all and follow Christ. No-
cross, no crown. But in my opinion, conver-
sions now-a-days are wrought in the most
genteel fashion, and people can go to balls
and theatres, and drinking saloons, just as
formerly. Now look at brewers for instance.
Why is it that they give to so many charities,
and build churches, and then leave large sums
for religious purposes after they die ? "

" Because they can afford to do so," I

io8 Student Life.

replied, wishing myself well out of the
argument.

"It is nothing of the kind I believe/'
answered Stanhope. "It is simply because
they think to pave their way to heaven by
being generous when they 2X^ forced to do it ;
to throw a kind of sop to their conscience,
which is continually urging them to abandon
a traffic which they know a pure and holy
-Creator detests."

As a member of the Missionary Association,
I sometimes took the idea into my head to
pay a visit to the poorer houses of the city,
and on the evening after the above conver-
sation, I found myself in a house in the
Grassmarket, famous as the locality in which
many notable things took place in by-gone
times.

"You'd better gang ben, sir," said the
landlady of the place. " I 'm thinking that
the puir woman is no lang for this world.
An' yet she has been a young bonnie creatur'
in her day."

" I think I had better not go in, Mrs
Smith," I said.

" Hoots, sir ; dinna be so bashfu'," she
replied. "If you can cheer up the woman.

A Grassmarket Adventui^e, 109-

you'll do a lot o' guid, and bring a pickle
sunshine into her life. Her name is Mrs
Macnab. You can ask for the bairn — he is
a nice wee fellow ; and I 'm unco vext that
she is so hard up. The right hand o' the
house is sair missed. But just gang ben \'
and here the worthy woman opened a door,
while she said, " Here 's a visitor for you, Mrs
Macnab," and I found myself left alone to do
what I could to explain my presence.

It was a poorly furnished room, but every-
thing was neat and clean. A little boy, some
two years old, lay on the floor playing with a
string of empty reels.

I adopted Geggin's plan ; and having some
confections in my pocket, the boy and I were
soon good friends. The mother had been
and was even yet good looking; but hard
work and little food had wrought their work.
What I said I know not ; but after introducing
myself, I chatted away about Stanhope and
the sermon I had heard, told stories, and did
my best to make Mrs Macnab feel at her
ease.

In this I perfectly succeeded, and I soon
found her relating the most prominent points
in her past life; and all at once, as she

no Student Life.

mentioned how her husband had been buried
by the authorities at the Infirmary, I took in
the situation at a glance, as the story which
Macdonald had told me some time ago, about
the student in the anatomical room, occurred
to my mepiory. This was young Macnab's
sister-in-law, I felt assured.

" Do you know if your husband had a
brother attending the University ? " I asked.

" Well, sir, I couldn't say as to that," was
the reply. " Henry, now that I think of it,
did mention Charlie's name, and of how he
was going to be a doctor; so there is a
possibility of it being the same person."

"Would it agitate you too much to see
him ? " I asked.

" Bring Charlie Macnab here ! " she
exclaimed, "not for the world. He will just
be like the rest of the family I have no doubt,
and I do not wish him to know my poverty."

" Then, Mrs Macnab, can I do anything for

, you ? "

" No, nothing that I know of," was the
answer, "although I would like to get back
to Nettle wood again. But I '11 need to wait
till I get rich," and here Mrs Macnab tried
to smile, but failed.

— 1

A Grassmarket Adventure. iii

She was the only daughter of an iron
merchant in Nettle wood. Her father doted
upon her, and when Henry Macnab came to
the place, and after a brief courtship asked
lier hand in marriage, he was refused, as he
had no profession, but depended on his father,
who had a fine estate not above ten miles
from Nettlewood. The lovers were too
infatuated, however, to listen to any kind
of reason which put a barrier in their way, so
they accordingly eloped, with the result that
Mr Macnab received a letter from his father
enclosing a ten pound note, but forbidding
all future intercourse with him. The lovers
did not care for this. They were happy in
each other's society, but by the end of a year
they began to feel the pinch of poverty. By
this time they were living in Edinburgh,
where their baby was born. Mrs Macnab
wrote to her father, but her letters were
returned unopened.

Henry found employment for some time as
a clerk, and then as a man going with boards
on his back through the streets. Leaving
both these employments, he obtained an
engagement as a porter on the North British
Railway, with the result, in a few month's

112 Student Life.

time, that he was completely knocked up, and
his health seriously undermined. He was
taken to the Infirmary, but the treatment
there could not stop the progress of the
disease. Worn to skin and bone he
succumbed, and died leaving his widow in
very poor circumstances ; but up to the
present time, having obtained dressmaking
and other things to do, she had managed to
keep the wolf from the door.

Such was Mrs Macnab's story, and I could
not help pitying her.

As I came away, Mrs Smith, the landlady,
drew me aside, and said : " I didna ken
whether Mrs Macnab would be angry wi* me
or no*, but I saw her faither*s address on a
book lying in her room, so I just sent awa a
letter to him, telling him that his daughter
was just starving herself, an' if he didna come
quick, she would likely be in her grave. I
don't think she is as far through as that, sir,
but I thocht I might as well gie the hard,
unrelenting sinner a fricht. Gude pity us a*
if the Lord was to keep a face o' brass to us
a our days, because we ance did something
wrang. Do you think I did right, sir ? "

" I think you have, Mrs Smith," I said.

A Grassmarket Adventure, 1 1 3

" But would a few shillings be of any service
to Mrs Macnab, do you think ? "

" Haud your tongue on that subject," said
the worthy woman. " She has a bit o' Scotch
pride in her; she winna tak' naething
without she works for it. Thank you a' the
same. Will you be back again ? "

" I '11 look in to-morrow night," I said, " and
I hope your letter will have good effect."

" We will just leave it a' in the hands o'
Providence," said Mrs Smith ; and I thought
after what she had done, that it was a wise
resolution.

H

Student Life.

CHARLIE MACNAB'S SURPRISE.

" Who will not give
Some portion of his ease, his blood, his wealth,
Kor others' good, is a poor, froien chnrl."

—Baillit.

HE society which I had
started the previous session
continued to progress ; and
such was the interest taken
in it, that my dining-room
was getting so packed that I
set about planning where we
would get a small hall on easy
terms, so as to continue and

develop the work begun.

Will Black came occasionally ; but he had

an anxious, careworn look — whether from

excessive study or mental anxiety I could

not make out.

" I think there is no student in all the

University who has so much to struggle

against as I have," he said to me one night,

after our meeting was over.

Charlie Macnab's Surprise. 115

" Why do you think so ? " I asked.

" Because my mind is always in a perpetual
whirl and bustle, as if I never could get time
for quiet and calm reflection. I think Mac-
donald does me no good."

•' Then why don't you give up frequenting
his company ? "

" For the simple reason that I cannot do
so," he replied. " I am caught in a net which
I am unable to break through. Macdonald
has become a part of my existence, and sticks
to me like a shadow in the sunshine. I think
there never was any one so plagued and
annoyed as I am. I wish I had stayed at
Millport, as there is a pestilence in university
life which threatens to stifle my career."

" There is always a pure as well as a foul
moral atmosphere in all classes of society,"
I replied. "You know Geggin and
Stanhope ? "

"Yes."

" Do you ever see them at any places of
amusement which Macdonald and yourself
frequent ? "

Will shook his head as he replied in the
negative.

" Then, why don't you do as they do ? I

ii6 Student Life.

don't want to know what is troubling your
mind ; but I wish, Will, you would keep in
mind what your mother has sent you here
for—"

" For any sake, Fraser, don't preach at me,
I am far worse than you imagine. I drink,

I gamble, I *m in debt, and I am ," and

here he stopped in his confession.

I own I was surprised at this outburst ; but
knowing the snake in the grass that had
poisoned Will, I thought the tempter was far
more to blame than the tempted.

"Then, do not make matters any worse,
Will," I said. " Pay every one as you go
along, and 1 11 come up as often as I can to
see you."

" I 'm afraid it 's too late," said Will, as he
departed.

"It's never too late to mend," I said; but
all the same I felt assured there was something
which Will Black had not told me, which
accounted for his uneasiness and disquietude.

I got acquainted with Charlie Macnab, and
found him a very intelligent and pleasant
fellow. He was not of a robust make, and
looking at his slim built figure, and noticing
his nervous manner, it seemed a wonder he had

Charlie MacnaUs Surprise. 117

stood so long the trying ordeal which all
medical students must pass, in the way of
*' exams," before obtaining their degree. He
was a member of the University Prayer
Meeting, and was about the only medical
student that attended it; medicine and religion
seeming not to agree in the minds of the
rising generation.

On relating my visit to his sister-in-law, he
was quite startled with the knowledge that
she was in town, and at once pressed me to
go and visit her.

Several things having come in the way
since the night I had seen Mrs Macnab, I
had not been able to visit her as soon again
as I intended.

When Charlie and I ascended the stair
where Mrs Macnab lived, he gave an
involuntary shudder. "To think that my
brother's wife lives here ! " he exclaimed.

" I say, Fraser, is she awfully poor ? "

" She is not rich," I said ; " but you know
there's never an ill, but what micht be a
waur." Mrs Smith opened the door, and
when she saw me, she exclaimed, " Ech ! sir,
the nest 's flown, the birds are awa ! "

" My sister is not dead surely ! " exclaimed
my companion.

1 1 8 Student Life.

" No, no; it's no' so bad as that," said Mrs
Smith. " But come in, sirs. And you 're
her brither, young man ? "

" Her husband s brother," I said. " But
what 's up that Mrs Macnab has left you so
suddenly."

" The letter I sent did the business," was
the reply. " Her faither cam' here in an
unco state the next day after you had been,
an' after an unco sighing and sobbing took
her an' the bairn awa hame."

" That 's so far satisfactory," I said : " you
have done one good deed any way."

" Did she leave any message ? " asked
Charlie.

'* None whatever. The auld gentleman
gave her no time to do that. He paid me
handsomely, however, before he went away."

" It was a pity poor Henry did not write
home to father and state his real position,"
said Charlie to me, when we reached the
street once more. *' I am sure he would have
relented and sent him money. Oh, Fraser !
I think I never will get rid of the sight of
my brother lying on the dissecting table. It
was horrible ! " and here he fairly shivered at
the recollection.

Charlie Macnab's Surprise. 119

" There were faults on both sides," I said.
" You should write and tell your father what
you know ; and I think if you were dropping
a kind letter to Mrs Macnab, it would be a
real pleasure for her."

'' 1 11 do that, Fraser," was the reply. '' But
I think I '11 need to take Shakespeare's advice
and 'throw physic to the dogs/ I don't
think I can stand this kind of work much
longer. I '11 stay till the professional exam-
ination, however, before I go home and see
father. Good-by, Fraser ; come up and see
me soon," and away he went, with a nasty
cough dwelling in my ears, long after he had
left me, and I could not help saying, " Alas !
poor Charlie ! "

Student Life.

WILL BLACK IN DANGER.

" By sports like these are all their cares beguil'd ;
The sports of children satisfy the child."

— Goldsmilh.

SAY, Fraser, have you heard
the news this morning ? "
cried Will Black to me, as I
came out of the Moral Phi-
losophy class room.

" What news ? " I asked.
" Is it that new poem of
Blackie's, which runs : —

' If I had land, as I have none,

The people round me I would gather.
And every lad I 'd call my son,

And every lass should call me father,

' And to each kilted cottar, I

Would say, with word so kind and clannish,
" God bless you all to multiply.
And earth with Celtic seed replenish." '

Now, Will, isn't that a generous individual !
Why, the man would become a Highland

Will Black in Danger. 121

Adam, only he's afraid the Government
would not allow his aspirations to be fulfilled."

" Yes ; that 's quite true," replied Will, "and
then there would be no use of this splendid
Celtic monument which he is trying to rear, be-
cause it would put an end to the Macphersons,
the Macgregors, and the whole race of * Macs,'
if every son and daughter in the Highlands
were to become Blackies. And then what
would become of the Gaelic by and by, if every
one were to say * father,' instead of athair ? "

"That's the benefit of learning logic
methodically," I said. ** But what was the
news you were going to tell me ? "

" Oh ! simply this, that Macdonald has got
his quietus for some time, I think," said Will,
in a tone of voice which seemed to imply that
any disgrace that befell Macdonald would be
good news. " I will tell you how it happened,
as we stroll round the quadrangle. I was
out at a party last night. I don't need to
mention the house. There would be some
two dozen people there altogether, of whom
some half a dozen were students. Among
them was Macdonald and Purdie, Morton
and myself. There was plenty wine and
brandy going, and it was pretty late before

122 Student Life.

the party broke up. Nothing would prevent
Macdonald and a few of his party, however,
from proceeding out to the toll-bar at Mayfern.
It was after twelve o'clock, and of course the
gates were shut. As I heard the story,
Macdonald said something to the more reck-
less, with the result that they lifted the gates
off their hinges, carried them some twenty
yards away, and then flung them over a dyke,
down a steep embankment. All this was done
amid uproarious laughter and a good deal of
swearing; for work of this kind cannot
be done without that, you know, Fraser."

" I am sorry to hear it,'* I said. ** How
did you know there was any swearing ? "

'* Because I heard them," said Will.

" Then you were with Macdonald also ? "

" No, no, Fraser ; you are wrong there,"
said Will, seeing the mistake he had made.
'* I simply took a walk down Newington, in
the direction of the toll, to cool myself before
going home, and could not avoid hearing the
row they were kicking up."

"It looks bad for you also," I said. " The
Senatus may haul you up as a witness, if this
affair comes to their ears. And perhaps you
may get a reprimand also, and then your

Will Black in Danger. 125

name will appear as a ' rowdy ' in the
columns of the Scotsman ; and I should not
wonder if Macdonald managed to clear
himself after all, as I think, from what I have
seen of him, that he is a fellow with a good
bit of the fox in his composition. Was there
any one with you, or were you alone ? "

" I was not alone," said Will. "If it
wasn't for the black look-out, the * lark ' is a
very good one. The toll-keeper came out
and tried to capture some of the students, but
it was no * go.' "

It will be seen, by this conversation, that
Will Black was still keeping on his ruinous
career. The soft, gentle way which he had
when he first came to the University, had
given place to a careless and reckless manner,
which boded ill for his future career. My
friend Geggin had tried to win him over to
his side, but Will was decidedly ill at ease,
and plainly told him that he did not want his
company.

" You and Fraser can go and make muffs
of yourselves as you like, and pray with a lot
of old fashioned women, who will talk about
you as being good lads and such like. I
want to enjoy life ; so you needn't bother

124 Student Life.

troubling yourself about me, Geggin. I
believe it is a plot between yourself and
Fraser to draw me to your prayer meetings.
I 'm above going to these places."

" Puir chap ! " said Geggin. " Fraser and
I are just babies, I suppose. But it 's better
to be babes and drink the milk o' God, than
gang to destruction wi' your eyes open."

As all the students fully expected, the
-exploit about lifting the toll gates was duly
taken notice of by the Senatus. Fortunately
for Macdonald no evidence to . criminate him
was forthcoming, although circumstantial
evidence was strong against him. He and
Purdie got a reprimand, however, and were
told to behave with more circumspection in
the future, and so the matter ended.

About this time I happened to call up at
Will Black's lodgings, with a translation of
the Hecuba of Euripides. Will Black had
not gone home during the Christmas holidays,
as he said that he wanted to read up some of
his classics, in which he was falling behind.

While we were sitting talking together,
there was a tap at the door, and the land-
lady's daughter said, " Oh ! Mr Black, your
father and mother have called to see you.
Shall I show them in ? "

IVill Black in Danger, 125

" Certainly. By all means," was the reply,
and in another minute his parents entered the
room.

" My dear Will, I declare, you are working
too hard," said his mother, after the first
greetings were over. " You will kill yourself
by over study."

WilFs face grew a bright crimson as he
replied, " Tuts, mother, you are too fussy and
anxious about me. I am perfectly well, as
Fraser here can testify."

" I don't think that Will will hurt himself
with overwork," I said. " He should know
by this time how to take care of himself."

" Let us hope so," said his father. " Have
you seen the evening paper ? "

" Not yet."

" Then you won't have seen the sad death
of the student, a Mr Cowan."

"What!" I exclaimed. "It surely can't
be Tom Cowan you mean ? "

" Here it is," said Mr Black, reading the
paragraph : " A melencholy affair occurred
between five and six o'clock this morning.
Thomas Cowan, a promising student at the
University, had been laid past for a week
or so with typhoid fever, supposed to have

126 Student Life.

been brought on by overwork. His land-
lady left his room to get something for him,
when Cowan got up out of bed, threw up the
window, jumped out, and falling into the
court below sustained a severe fracture of
the skull, and died an hour afterwards. It is
supposed the fever had mounted to his brain,
and so hurried him to commit this rash act."

Poor Tom Cowan ! And this was his end.
Dead! I could not stay in the room any
longer, but hurried away outside, with every
pulse from my heart repeating eternity!
eternity! eternity!

It is frequently at the very time when all
the world seems full of sunshine that the cup
of joy is dashed from our lips. Truly
Lucretius was right; "Surgit amari aliquid
quod in ipsis floribus augat," which may be
freely translated thus : —

" Full from the fount of joy's delicious springs
Some bitter o'er the flowers its bubbling venom flings."

" Sold'' by a Student.

Chapter XII.

"SOLD" BY A STUDENT.

" Lest men suspect your tale undue.
Keep probabilEty in view. "

— Gay

N " Tom Brown's School
Days," and also in "Verdant
Green," there are several
instances mentioned, such as
"roasting" before a blazing
fire, " bullying," wrenching
off knockers and misplacing
signs, and also serious en-
counters on the streets be-
tween " gown " and " town."

All the time I was at the University,
although I witnessed and became aware of
many questionable proceedings by students,
I never heard of any of the above mentioned
things taking place. No student resided
within the walls of the University, and even
the learned Principal had his house some two
miles distant. The students, therefore, had

128 Student Life.

perfect liberty to keep free from any domi-
neering individual or sect.

As I have already mentioned, the students
attending the various classes were by no
means a pattern of high breeding at all times,
and drew weaker ones away into dubious
paths. There were a few cases of strange
outdoor freaks indulged in by some of my
more intimate companions, and I may
mention here one of Aitchison's adventures,
as it will serve as one example of what
students will do when put to the test.

Aitchison was a light-hearted, merry go-a-
head, rollicking student with a free and easy
manner. He made himself perfectly at home
in any society; and had the awkward habit of
speaking what he believed to be the truth in
a plain, matter-of-fact way that oftentimes
startled his listeners. He had strong, rugged
features, small gray eyes, and a well built
frame ; while he was full of a buoyant energy
that told of health and strength.

" I don't believe anything of the kind. I
think such stories are all inventions of the
imagination."

"What are the inventions you speak of,
Geggin ? " I asked, coming forward.

''Sold'' by a Student. 129

" Oh ! it s simply about students hawking
potatoes and such things in the town, to make
an extra penny. Aitchison says he quite
believes there have been instances, and is
quite willing to make the experiment himself/*

" Do so, Aitchison," I said ; " I will get my
landlady to patronise you."

'* Won't you take up a bet ? " he said.

" Well, I *m not in the habit of doing so,"
said Geggin, in reply. " But if you manage
to do it within a week, without being recog-
nised, I don 't mind if I stand five shillings."

" Done ! " exclaimed Aitchison, seizing
Geggin by the hand, and giving it a hearty
shake. " I would rather have done without
the disguise, but I '11 fulfil my promise," and
away he went laughing.

" Do you think he will do it ? "

'* I am pretty sure he will try it at all
events," I said. "He is one of those kind of
fellows that stick at nothing. I think you
may count on Aitchison obtaining your
money."

A few days passed by, and I had com-
pletely forgotten what Aitchison had said,
when one evening, coming up Cockburn
Street, my attention was attracted towards a
I

130 Student Life.

small knot of people standing round a man
vending some article of apparently great
utility. On going forward I met Geggin
among the crowd.

** What *s up ? " I asked.

"Why, there is a fellow there selling
leather laces, who might be a splendid writer
of fiction, if he would devote his talents in
that direction. He has told some awful
crammers during the few minutes I have been
standing here."

" Come on, Geggin," I said. " There is no
use in encouraging the art of lying.*'

" Wait a minute, Fraser. Here 's another
genuine yarn."

" Leather laces, only a penny a pair ! "
said the red haired vendor, stretching them
between his hands. "They're worth the
money, and the brown ones you can blacken
to any colour you like ! I '11 tell you a story
about these same laces. One night I was
standing up in Parliament Square, in the
High Street, when a working man came for-
ward. He wouldn't believe that the laces
were as strong as I had said, but however, I
got him persuaded to try them. He had
seven children at home, so he bought seven

''Sold'' by a Student. 131

pairs. Well, gentlemen, he lived in a flat
four stories high, and in the middle of the
night he awoke from his sleep, and found the
room full of smoke. He rose, dressed him-
self, roused the children and opened the door,
but was driven back by the flames. What
was to be done } He rushed to the window,
threw up the sash, but it was too far to jump.
It was the only way by which he could escape.
Recollecting the laces he bought from me,
however, he tied the seven pairs together,

and then tying one end to a big chair he "

" For any sake, Geggin, come away," I
said, bursting into a loud laugh. " I only hope
that man is a Roman Catholic, to get abso-
lution to-morrow."

He is a terrible fellow," was his reply.

Aitchison might take a lesson from him.
By-the-by, I wonder where he is ? "

My friend and I were soon to be enlight-
ened on this point ; for on going along George
IV. Bridge half-an-hour afterwards, the leather
lace seller came forward and asked us to buy
a pair, which we declined. The fellow, how-
ever, persisted, till we both got angry ; and
then, to our mutual astonishment, he said,
" Hand over your five shillings, Geggin ; I
have won the bet ! "

132 Student Life.

The red hair disappeared, and Aitchison
stood before us !

" I might have thought it was you,
Aitchison. The leather lace seller was too
clever a story teller to be simply what he
represented. You deserve the money, how-
ever; although next time you try such a
dodge, for any sake don't tell so many lies."

" I got a shilling's worth of laces sold any
how," said Aitchison. " Most of the yarns
I told were picked up in High Street.
There's a lot of talent completely lost, for
want of being well patronised. You '11 change
your opinion about students now, I suppose,
Geggin ? "

" I will have to do it," was the reply.
"And I can perfectly believe that Alistair
Macgregor's cousin went with the bagpipes
up and down the streets of Aberdeen, when
he had little or no money to pay for his
lodgings."

" Was it not Alistair himself that did so ? "
said Aitchison, after our wonderment had
partially subsided. "These highlanders are
always so hard up."

"You cannot take the breeks off a High-
landman," I said.

''Sold'' by a Student, 133

'* I nearly did it once, though/' said
Aitchison. " It was a good joke on Alistair ;
and I 'm glad that he goes about dressed like
a civilised heathen,"

"It was kind of you to pay for the damage,
all the same," I said,

" Shut up, Fraser, or I '11 pinch your rihs
for you," was the reply. " But do you know
how many volumes there are in the Library?"

" Somewhere about one hundred and forty-
five thousand," I replied.

" By the way, how do you get books home
with you from the Library ? Do you know,
Fraser, although this is my sixth session at
the University, I never take advantage of
anything but the Reading Room, where you
consult books for nothing. How do you get
books home ? "

" Easily enough," said Geggin, replying for
me. " You have just to shew your matricu-
lation ticket, and a class one, and deposit a
pound with the librarian, and you are entitled
to two books at a time."

" Do you get your money back ? " said
Aitchison.

"Oh! yes. The Senatus are very kind
that way. Whenever you don't want books

1

134 Student Life.

out, you have simply to present your receipt,
and you get your pound back agaiii."

"That's all right," said Aitchison. "I
must join the Library some day soon, since it
costs nothing. I believe in taking all you
can get, especially if it is worth having."

"Always keeping in mind the advice of
iEsop to his master," said Geggin.

" And what was his advice ? " asked
Aitchison. "The wee humphbacked slave
said some good things, but I don't recollect
anything very applicable in the present cir-
cumstances."

"It was simply in connection with your
phrase, taking everything you could get for
nothing, if it was worth having ; but in the

words of iEsOp *A,ipopa¥ otv d€i els rbv vovv, koX /irf els "Hjv

Hr^ty — ^we must look to the mind and not to
the outward appearance."

"It was all very well for JEsop to say
that," said Aitchison, "but now-a-days ap-
pearance is everything — especially in the
pulpit."

" I am surprised that you run down
preachers so much," said Geggin. " It seems
to be getting a sort of nightmare with you.
You should never run down ministers ;

''Sold'' by a Student. 135

because it does yourself and others no
benefit."

"Fudge!" exclaimed Aitchison. "Whenever
and wherever I see the tree of hypocrisy
I *11 strike the axe of truth at its roots."

"The Gospel is always true."

"I know that," said Aitchison. " But there
is such a lot of duffers in the pulpit, who
feed you with confectionery instead of bread,
and give you their own opinions instead of
God s. And look at the lives some of them
lead ! How many are put out of the church
for drunkenness! How many get in their
porter and wine by the dozen ; and yet if a
poor fellow is seen going to the public house,
he is on the road to the devil ! Ministers are
but men ; and you may as well try to convince
one of his evil ways, as to make a sphinx
speak."

"And do you intend going in for the
ministry, holding such views as you do } "

" Not I," said Aitchison. " I have turned
a perfect Democrat; and am going to take
Geggin's advice."

" And what 's that ? " I asked.

" Oh ! he prides himself on being a bit of a
phrenologist, and says I would never do for a
pulpit."

136 Student Life.

" What do you intend to do, then ? " asked
Geggin.

" Be an engineer, Good-by."

Macdonald's Practical yoke. 137

Chapter XIII.

MACDONALD'S PRACTICAL JOKE.

"Worth makea the man, and want of it, the fellow,"

—Pofi.

SUPPOSE you know
Grainger, one of the libra-
rians at the University ? "

" I should think I do," I

replied to Macdonald, who

had acquired the habit of

talking to me in the Reading

Room.

"Mum's the word, you

know, Fraser; but I played off a good joke

on him the other day " — and here he chuckled

tohimselfwith suppressed delight. "Grainger

prides himself on being a bit of a rhetorician,

and a good elocutionist. Just look at this

Scotsman, of last week's date," and here he

pointed to a small advertisement. " Read that."

I did as desired, and read as follows : —

" Mr J. H. S. Grainger, of the University

Library, gives lessons in elocution. Terms —

Twelve lessons, one guinea."

"I am sure this is quite a new thing for me

138 Student Life.

to know about," I said. "But what befell
Grainger ? "

"Well, you know," said Macdonald, "I
live over in Valleyfield Street, on the second
flat; so accordingly I posted a note to
Grainger, asking him to call at number so
and so, at seven o'clock punctually, on
Monday night, as I wished to take lessons
from him in elocution. I got a number of
friends up to my diggings to be on the look-
out for Grainger. Punctual to the hour he
made his appearance in the street, with a
bundle of books under his left arm, a family
umbrella in his right hand, dressed as usual,
and with his conical shaped hat on his head,
which he has worn for goodness knows how
many years. Into one entry after another he
went, reading the names of the bells ; for I
had given him a wrong number, and a name
that I had never seen in print at any time.
The patience he displayed was most exem-
plary ; and long before he was done, his face
was as red as a harvest moon, — while to add
to his embarrassment, a number of little boys
kept hovering at his heels, crying, ' Man !
you Ve lost your hair pins ! Cheat the
barber! — cheat the barber! When did you

MacdonalcTs Practical Joke. 139

come from China ? Who let you out o' the
Asylum ? ' Upon my word, Fraser, I could
do nothing for some time but roar and laugh
at the very absurdity of the thing. The joke
was so rich."

"It was too bad of you all the same,
Macdonald," I said. " I thought that affair
with the toll gates would have made you
somewhat cautious in playing off practical
jokes for some time."

"You're awfully strait-laced, Fraser," was
the reply. " Hang it, man, you don't half
enjoy life."

" I quite believe that," I replied.

" Grainger was just on the point of going
away in despair, when I gave him a hullo to
come up. I gave the beggar a glass of wine,
after he had told me all his misfortunes of
the evening ; and then he gave, by request, a
reading from The Tempest that sent several
of the fellows to sleep, it lasted such a long
time. I believe this adventure will help to
cure his vanity ; and, if I only could get that
pig-tail of his cut off, I would not torment
him any more. He is the most original thing
about the whole town."

" Not quite," I said.

140 Student Life.

" What is then ? " he asked.

" Original sin/' I gravely answered, which
reply sent Macdonald into a fit of laughter,
that brought down a rebuke from the
librarians in attendance.

The students at the University had won-
derful privileges in connection with the
obtaining of books, both for consultation and
also for taking home to study, as I have else-
where mentioned. There were a few novels
in the Library ; but although Blackwood and
Macmillan and similar magazines, with good
tales in them, were allowed to be consulted {J)y
no fiction of any kind in volume form was
allowed in the Reading Room.

I remember on one occasion, when I could
not settle my mind to study, that I filled in a
slip for " Tom Cringle's Log," and handed it
over the counter.

" Sorry I cannot give you this book," said
Livingstone, one of the librarians in attend-
ance in the Reading Room ; Mr Small, and
three others, taking charge at the Lending
Department,

" Why not } " I asked.

" Because no fiction is allowed to be
brought into the room."

Macdonald's Practical Joke. 141

"But it's a book of travel," I pleaded.
" It 's not a novel, and I want to see an
account of Jamaica in it." It was all of no
use, till I luckily recollected that the story
appeared in Blackwood, so* I succeeded in
obtaining what I desired by a very simple
expedient.

It was always a wonder to me how the
librarians managed to keep so equable in
temper, there were so many annoyances to
try them. It is true their working hours
were only from ten o'clock till four during the
Winter Session, and an hour less in Summer ;
but a marvellous amount of work was com-
prised in that period. Students did not ask
for books. To avoid noise, they had to write
the name of the book or books they wanted
on a slip like this :

atriralatMn |[0.

Date,

Haxae,

Address,

Wants

142 Student Life.

I remember asking one of the librarians
in the Reading Room Department how
many of these slips were used in a year.
" Between forty and fifty thousand," he re-
plied. Now, as there were sometimes two
and more books marked on the slips, it can
easily be seen that the two librarians had a
pretty busy time of it ; and although I might
speak of the small salaries they received, this
would be departing from my intention, so I
leave this matter with the Senatus to con-
sider.

A few weeks after Macdonald had men-
tioned the affair about Grainger, I suddenly
came upon the latter in the street, and to my
astonishment his pig-tail had vanished! I
went up and shook hands with him.

" You have surely lost something," I said.

" You are just like the rest of the students
I see, Fraser," he replied. "It's a down-
right shame that a man cannot get doing as
he pleases, and especially in a country which
boasts so much of freedom and liberty."

" We must conform to custom at times."

" More 's the pity," said Grainger. " The
students at the Library fairly tormented me
at the counter about the way I wore my hair,

MacdonalcC s Practical Joke. 143

so that I had to go to the barber's and get so
much of it cut off. It *s too bad ; and now I
don't look the least like a foreigner at all.
However, the barber gave me a shilling for
my hair, so that is some consolation."

And from what I afterwards learnt, Mr
Grainger entered a circumstantial account of
the wrong done to him in this particular in
his diary ; which, however, has never yet seen
the light of day, and the public have thereby
suffered a loss not easy to define.

Student Life.

Chapter XIV.

WILL BLACK'S CONFESSION.

" A peace above all other dignities,
A still and quiet conscience."

— SAaitsfearc.

HE struggle for existence is
getting harder and more
difficult as time rolls on;
and instead of the jovial,
happy faces which my father
told me were to be met with
everywhere in his younger
years, there is now seen a
resdess, anxious look brood-
ing over the face of almost every one you
meet.

1 remember asking a fellow student if he
thought life was worth living — a subject taken
up by Mr Mallock in later years. This
student answered — "Well, Fraser, I must
answer your question in the negative. Life
is just a form of slavery. Men with the

Will Black's Confession. 145

biggest pay have the least work to do, and
it 's often the case with university life. The
most deserving student doesn't always get the
medal or bursary ; but it 's some fellow who
has plenty of money, and has a knack of com-
ing in first at an easy jog trot. There is no
pleasure in life now-a-days. All the romance
and beauty has vanished with primitive
customs. In fact, I may tell you, Fraser, I
cannot see one inch beyond the grave ; and
what sort of pleasure is it for a man to turn
night into day, to burn the candle at both
ends, and then, when the mainspring of life
runs down and gets broken, to be nailed in a
box, and the worms to eat his flesh ? Faugh !
life is a perfect mockery, and there is no rest
for a man till he is in his grave."

"Will Black, do you know what you are
saying ? " I asked.

" I know perfectly well what I am saying,"
responded Will. "The strong rules the
weak. The man with the purse is respected
and petted, and the poor, industrious work-
man is hunted to death ; and a God who
allows such things to go on, how can He be
a righteous and truth loving Jehovah ? Do
you believe in an evil genius, Fraser — a

E

146 Student Life.

kind of being who goes wherever you go, and
drops the poison of death into your heart's
core, so that when you would do good
you are drawn, like the magnetic needle, in
the direction you do not want to go ? It just
puts me in mind of what I did in days gone
by, when walking along the roadside with a
stick in my hand, I would suddenly, from no
preconceived notion, but from sudden inward
impulse, commence hitting the heads of the
various nettles and flowers I met in with, an^i
then after I had gone on for a considerable
distance in this fashion, I would suddenly
recollect that I had missed knocking down
one flower, and so would return and work its
ruin. And so it is with me now, Fraser.
Motives and fancies which formerly I would
willingly have nothing to do with, have now
a tenacious grasp over me ; and I seem like a
shuttle-cock tossed hither and thither, without
being able to resist one whit what I know is
wrong. I think the incline to ruin has been
greased for me, and my prospects are now be-
coming more lurid and dark with the beacons
and clouds of destruction and utter eclipse ! "
" Have you been working hard recently,
Will ? "

Will Black's Confession. 147

" In a kind of fashion, by fits and starts.
Do you know, Fraser, I do not think I will
ever go back to Millport again — I cannot
face my mother ! "

•' Why, Will, my dear old fellow, what has
gone wrong with you?" I exclaimed. "When
things come to the worst, you know they
generally mend. Can I help you in any way ?"

" You 're a good fellow, Fraser, and I wish
I had taken your advice long ago. But ever
since Cowan's sudden death my mind has
been completely upset with harassing thoughts.
I tell you, Fraser, Macdonald has completely
ruined me ! "

*' Ruined you ! surely not."

" But he has, I tell you," answered Will.

" My heart is a seething mass of corruption
and hate; and it seems at times, and especially
at night, as if it was peopled by a thousand
evil spirits from the dungeons of eternal
blackness and despair! O God! and then
to pause and think of what I was before I
came here! My poor mother! what will
she do when she knows all?" and here
Will leant his head in agony against the
table. He was silent for a minute, and then
continued : —

148 Student Life.

" I may as well tell you, Fraser, the whole
truth, and perhaps it will relieve the pressure
on my brain. To begirt with the biggest
calamity of all, / am married ! "

I could do nothing but stare at Will
Black, as he made this unlooked-for declara-
tion. He was only a student in the second
year of his Arts course, and married !

" Yes, Fraser, the murder is out, and you
may stare. I see it has been an eye opener
for you. Here have I been sailing on the
sea of matrimony for six months ; and I can
tell you, although I have often sneered and
joked at Stanhope and Geggin, I would give
all I have to be standing in their shoes at the
present moment. But it's too late, and
Macdonald is the fiend that has been the
means of it all. Curse him!" and here he
ground his teeth in impotent anger. I did
not know what to say to bring comfort to
Will ; but he saved me replying, as he con-
tinued to talk in a kind of nervous fashion, as
if he was anxious to get quit of a distasteful
subject.

" Macdonald persuaded me to go to the
theatre, and of course we had to go out
between the acts to get a "refresher." We

Will Black's Confession. 149

would frequently ' toss up ' which of us was
to pay, and I was oftener the loser than
anything else. Of course, being among
Macdonald's friends, I had to buy lots of
things which cost money, and I had to make
various excuses to get funds from home.
But at the present moment I am oceans deep
in debt, and feel overburdened, like Sinbad
the sailor with the old man on his back.
Macdonald used to come up to my diggings
and persuade Lottie, the landlady's daughter,
to go with him to various places, and wrought
up my feelings so much by the manner in
which he talked of her, that I persuaded
myself that Lottie was a lost girl if I did not
save her. I confess, Fraser, I liked the girl.
She was good looking, and had pleasant ways
with her ; so in a sudden freak of jealousy I
got a special license and married her.
Macdonald found this out, and said that he
was much obliged to me for taking his ' toy '
away from him, as he did not know how he
would have got rid of her otherwise. I can
tell you I was mad, Fraser! — I never
suspected such meanness and duplicity on the
part of any one, and least of all from the
hands of Macdonald. The end of the session

150 Student Life.

has nearly come ; and here have I a house
rent to pay, my tailor's accounts to discharge,
and several debts of honour ; so I think the
sooner I commit suicide the better. Life is
nothing but an endless round of misery.
Eh ! Fraser, I wish I was a bairn again, and
toddling about the braes and hills o' the
bonnie Cumbraes ! "

** * There is a fountain deep and pure —
Forth from the riven rock it flows ;
A healing spring and lasting cure
For all terrestrial ills and woes.'

Ah ! Will ! Will ! " I said, " if we were only
healed from spiritual disease, we wouldn't
fall into so many pitfalls of sin. But what
sort of a girl is Lottie ? "

"She is a nice creature, and I believe
makes a good wife; but she is proud and
vain, and is always at me for money."

" Do you not think it would be the best
policy to go home, and tell your mother what
you have told me ? "

" I cannot, Fraser," was the reply. " I am
a coward at heart ; and my mother's face I
cannot bear to see. And she was so fond of
me," and here Will burst into a fit of sobbing
and crying, which lasted for some minutes,
and then he grew calmer.

Will Black's Confession, 151

" I lost the Bursary I tried for," he said.
" I could have answered the questions well
enough, I believe, but my mother's face con-
tinually came before me and the paper ; so
that I was totally unable to proceed, and had
to leave the Hall without answering half of
them."

" Would you mind me telling your mother?"
I said.

"You!" exclaimed Will. "Why— well,
Fraser, my head is in such a whirl I don't
know what to think. Do as you think best.
I cannot be more miserable than I am. A
pretty minister I '11 make ! I need to go home
to my diggings now, and I don't know what
sort of a scapegrace I '11 turn out by-and-by."

I gave Will what little savings I had; and
after he left I pondered long on what he had
told me. He was not the only student
attending the University who was married.
I knew at least two others ; but they were
some five years older than my friend. There
was something sad in Will's case; and on
looking my note book over, in which I kept
various jottings, I find this written : " Am
afraid of Will Black. He seems to be drift-
ing with circumstances, and has a harassed,
reckless look which I don't like."

152 Student Life.

Out of unexpected circumstances, however,
frequently arise unforeseen benefits ; and from
this date I began to live a more real life, and
to know that I, nor any of my fellow students,
was made to live for self or worldly advance-
ment, but for the glory of that Creator whose
commandments I had so often knowingly set
aside.

Geggin and Stanhope soon saw the change
in me; and at our usual fortnightly prayer
meeting it was made the subject of special
thanks to God. But all the same, the tears
often come into my eyes when I think of the
short meteor-like career of my fellow student,
poor Tom Cowan.

/ receive my M.A.

Chapter XV.
I RECEIVE MY M.A.

■' Men are but children of a larger growth j
Our appetites are apt to change as theirs,
And full as craving too, and full as vain."

—Drydcn.

URRAH! Hurrah! I say,
Nelson and Geggin, come
here," I shouted, as I stood
before a number of names
posted up at the University
gates. Nelson was a student
I had recently got acquainted
with.

"Where do I stand,
Fraser ? " asked Geggin, hurrying forwards.

" Pretty well up," I answered. " You have
70 per cent, Nelson has five more, and I
have 65 per cent. It's a lucky thing .the
three of us have passed our ' exams ' success-
fully."

" Come on, Fraser and Nelson. I '11 stand
you a bottle o' lemonade on the head of it.
Man, I thocht I was gawn to be ' plucked,' an'

154 Student Life.

come out like a starved cock ; but this news is
just like a breath o' caller air direct frae the
hills."

" What about Stanhope ? " I asked.

"Oh! he is all right, I believe," said
Nelson. "He wasn't exactly prepared to
enter the examination for the degree, so he is
going to work up and try to pass the Divinity
Hall examination next October ;• he is coming
out for the Free, I believe."

"He will be a splendid hand when he does
get a place," said Geggin. "He was standing
preaching in the High Street, the other night,
at the head of Carrubber's Close, when I
passed by. I stood a minute to listen. He
was dreadfully in earnest; and one of the
phrases he used has stuck to me like a leech
ever since. It was this: 'Oh! that I could
fill Mons Meg fu* o' bibles, an' blaw salvation
down the Canongate ! ' It strikes me,"
continued Geggin, with a humorous twinkle
in his eyes, "that if Stanhope is going to
convert the Canongate folk in that fashion, it
will be very expensive for to keep him
supplied wu' bibles."

" Alistair Macgregor has got a fine situa-
tion," I said.

/ receive my M.A. 155

" HuUoa ! what *s up with him ? " asked
Nelson.

** Some forty-second cousin of his, a High-
land chief in his way, has bought a large
tract of ground in Manitoba for the raising of
catde, and has asked Alistair to go out with
him as the working partner, and Alistair is
quite delighted with the idea/'

" But what does Alistair know about cattle
raising ? " asked Geggin.

" He is a wonderfully knowing chap," I
said, "and he has been taking a course of
lessons in agriculture and sheep farming
from Professor Wilson. His habits are not
extravagant; he is healthy, with a capital
constitution ; so I have not the least doubt
that, by and by, Alistair will become a laird
on a big scale, and we will hear great things
about the Manitobian Macgregor. So, here 's
success to Alistair," I said, finishing the last
drop of lemonade in my tumbler.

Graduation day duly dawned, and a splendid
day it was, with a beautiful blue sky overhead,,
soft west winds blowing, and everything, at
least to my eyes, wearing a happy, holiday
look.

The ceremony took place in the Free

156 Student Life.

Assembly Hall at ten o'clock in the morning.
All candidates for the honour had to be pre-
sent an hour previous, to get robed and
marshalled in order, before we were ushered
into the Hall. As a student for the degree
of M.A., I managed to obtain a few tickets
to present to some of my more intimate
acquaintances and friends, who were anxious
to be present on so auspicious an occasion.

At last we were ushered into the Hall —
there were some eighty of us. I glanced
round the crowded building, and in the front
gallery saw my dear old father with a shep-
herd tartan plaid thrown round his shoulders,
and his intellectual countenance beaming
with delight, as, recognising me, he leant
forward and whispered a few words to my
mother sitting close beside him. I was glad
to see them looking so happy and interested ;
and I have no doubt they thought their son,
Norman Fraser, one of the cleverest young
men in the city of Edinburgh.

There was a large number of the professors
present; among whom I may mention
Blackie, with his eagle-shaped counten-
ance; Calderwood, with a face betokening
reserved intellectual strength and power;

/ receive my M.A. 157

Masson, the biographer of Milton ; Fraser,
Rutherford, and a host of others.

After we had been introduced by Professor
Fraser, who acted as Dean to the Senatus
Academicus, we entered our names in the
Sponsio ; and after this had been done, we
bent individually before Principal Sir Alex*
Grant, and then a black bonnet was placed
on our head — which, by the way, had to be
delivered up before going away — then a Latin
sentence was pronounced over us. It was
thus that I was "capped," and was duly
made an M.A.

It was a glorious day for Norman Fraser,
I can tell you ; and as I walked along the
streets with my father and mother, I thought
every one glanced at me, as much as to say,
" There goes Fraser, who was made an M.A.
to-day."

'* Man, Norman," said my father, after we
were seated at dinner in my lodgings, " I 'm
rale proud to ha'e a son wi' a tail to his name*
An' what do you think about the pulpit now ?
Are you still kicking against it ?

" No, father," I replied ; ** I am thankful and
happy to say that, if all goes well, I intend
entering the Divinity Hall next session."

158 Student Life.

'* An* you '11 be a minister ? "

" Certainly, if I live."

*' I aye kent Norman would please his
faither an' mither," said my doting mother.
^* Eh ! laddie ! laddie ! it would have been a
strange thing if the bread cast upon the
waters wasna gaun to be blessed to us in the
lang run. Praise the Lord for a His
mercies ! "

As for my father, my resolution made him
so overjoyed that he could hardly be prevailed
upon to touch his beef and potatoes, while
his handkerchief was employed very fre-
quently in wiping away the tears from his
eyes.

We had a very happy afternoon together ;
my father relating many anecdotes of his boy-
hood, and also of the various famous preachers
he had listened to.

" I mind fine, Norman," he went on to say,
as he sat by the " chimney lug " and puffed
away at his black cutty pipe ; "I mind fine o*
walking to Slateford one day, when I was
younger than I am now, to hear Dr Chalmers
preach. He was a wee man wi' a big head,
and the hair o' his head was aye in a toozie
state. The pulpit he was in was ane o* the

/ receive my M. A, 1 59

guid auld fashioned kind, where you didna
get much room to walk about. Chalmers
preached a guid sermon ; but a' at ance we
heard an unco noise i' the pulpit, an* the wee
preacher disappeared frae sicht! Almost
everybody in the kirk smiled at the catas-
trophe ; and while I was wonderin* to myself
if auld Sandy had flown awa* wi* him, he
appeared again, and went on wi' his sermon.
It appeared that the pulpit was ower high for
him, and he had a stool put inside for him to
stand upon, which he had forgotten all about,
an' so slipped his feet an' fallen, fiut it was
a grand sermon for a* that."

Leaving my father and mother to rest
awhile, I went out in search of Alistair
Macgregor to bid him good-by, and fortu-
nately found him at home.

" I am fery well pleased to get away from
ta College, indeed," said Alistair, after we
had talked a little together. " Professor
Blackie iss a fery good man, and should have
been a Macgregor."

"We cannot all have the same name," I
said.

"That is fery true. But the Professor
gave me a one pound note, and said that

i6o Student Life,

as the railway had come to Oban, where he
has a fine house, he would have to go away
from it, as he couldn't bear the idea of the
place becoming like a town. He said that
perhaps he would come out to Manitoba and
spend his holidays there ; but I wass to be
sure and, and — " and here Alistair stopped
abruptly.

" To be sure and do what ? " I asked.

" And come home soon, and take a Gaelic
lass with me, so as to found a Gaelic colony
over in Manitoba. But the Professor wass
just joking, I think ; for I hef no money to
keep a wife."

'' It 's just like Blackie," I said. " I hope
you will get on well, Alistair ; and you can
drop us a line now and again. Just write to
the University, and I '11 get your letters, and I
will do my best to answer them."

Alistair promised to do so. He was to
sail from Glasgow in a month afterwards;
and it was with many good wishes I bade
him good-by, and returned to my lodgings
to get things prepared for returning to the
coast with my dear father and mother.

A Students' Riot.

Chapter XVI.

A STUDENTS' RIOT.

" As roUa the ocean's changing tide,
So Iiiiniaii passions ebb aiid flow."

-Byro.,.

FOUND it very pleasant
strolling along the shore at
Millport, and drinking in
renewed health and strength
with the salt sea breezes.

Many an afternoon and

evening walk I had with my

dear old father, as I got him

persuaded on occasions to ■

leave his loom, and take a stroll with me to

Fintry Bay, or round by the Lion Rock,

opposite Fairlie. His mind was a complete

storehouse of traditionary and other lore,

and he was well acquainted with the past

history of the Scottish Church; and any

subject that I was deficient in, he was

usually able to supply : but I am afraid

1 62 Student Life.

the weavers of the present day are far below
the intellectual standard of those who have
passed away, or linger still in some quiet and
out of the way clachan.

It is the inward mind which depicts the
outer world, and a man's capacities for enjoy-
ments greatly depends on his training in
youth. As my father sometimes remarked :
"You see, Norman, a weel stockit mind is
like a bien house; you are aye sure o' havin'
something for occasions when an extra
pressure should arise/*

Oftentimes as I watched my father sitting
working at his loom, and listened to its con-
tinuous ** click, click, clickitty-clack," and sav/
the threaded shuttle dart from one end of the
web to the other doing its appointed task, I
often wondered to myself what kind of harvest
I would have at the end of my days, which
were truly swifter than a weaver's shuttle.

It was now wearing towards the end of
August, when one morning on perusing the
" Daily Review," I observed the following
paragraph, which awoke me from my day-
dreams, and brought me back to the realities
of life.

" Disgraceful conduct of students. — A dis-

A Students' Riot. 163

graceful riot took place last night in the
Canongate, between eight and nine o*clock.
A party of three students, slightly the worse
for drink, marched into the most crowded
part of the thoroughfare, and commenced to
jostle the passers by in a very rough manner.
After this had gone on for some time, they
took to hitting out on all sides with their
sticks, with the result of seriously injuring a
man named Thomas Johnstone, who received
a very painful wound on the head. This so
irritated the crowd that they retaliated, and
succeeded in driving the students into an
entry. The police had great difficulty in
forcing their way to the rescue ; and when
they succeeded in reaching the students, they
were attacked in turn by them, and were
only disarmed after a brief struggle. They
were taken to the Police Office, where they
gave their names as John Macdonald, Walter
Paton and Wm. Black, all students attend-
ing the University of Edinburgh."

" It is just the way wi' a lot o* these chaps,"
observed my father. "When they're no*
punished enough, they think they will get off
every time, an' so just go from bad to worse.
Students are a queer set, an' get off wi' a

164 Student Life.

fine, when they should cool their heels in jail
for breaking the laws."

" I am afraid of Macdonald injuring more
than himself," I said. " He has ruined more
than one student already ; and if Will Black
escapes it will only be like Job, with 'the
skin of his teeth.' "

Seeing Will Black's name in print re-
minded^ me of my promised visit to his
mother at Millport manse. It was always
his mother that Will went to in all his
troubles, as his father was so frequently taken
up with his parochial duties, that he did not
win the lad's confidence, as he otherwise
would have done.

It was a splendid day, and the trees were
clad with pristine garments that charmed and
delighted the eye. I found Mrs Black alone,
as her husband had been called away to
preach at Rothesay. I apologised for my
delay in not calling sooner, and by and by the
conversation gradually drifted round to Will
and his non-appearance.

" I am sure I do not know what has come
over my boy at all," said Mrs Black. " He
was always very affectionate and loving, and
used to write delightful letters; but now I

A Students' Riot, 165

hardly get a line at all, and when they do
come they are short and hurried, as if it were
a task for him to write. Poor boy, I hope
he won*t hurt himself with his studies. A
university training seems to take the sun-
shine out of a student's life. Have you found
that out in your case, Mr Fraser ?"

" I am happy to say I have not," I replied.
" A university training has no more powerful
temptations than other spheres. It all
depends on how we work and the companions
we choose."

" Well, it may be all true what you have
said," said Mrs Black; "but I cannot help
feeling uneasy about Will. I have sent him
more money than I can exactly afford. I
think he is hiding something from me which
I ought to know. Can you tell me, Mr Fraser,
if Will has done anything which I ought to
know .> "

As delicately and as tenderly as I could,
I gave a brief outline of Will's connection
with Macdonald; his temptations and the
rash step he had taken. When I had finished
my brief recital, Mrs Black sat as if she
were paralyzed ; and when she did speak, she
could only ejaculate, ''Married! My boy
married ! what an act of folly ! "

1 66 Student Life.

By and by she grew calmer. " I am glad
you have told me this," she said. "Mr Black
and I must go to him as soon as possible
and try to persuade him to come home for a
while. What sort of a girl is his wife ? "

"She is a very lady-like person," I
answered. "It was she who shewed you
into Will's room when you were in Edinburgh
on a previous occasion."

" Ah ! yes, I remember. I hope she will
be good to my poor, foolish lad. Good-by,
Mr Fraser ; I must be alone with my troubles
for a little."

/ Enter tke Divinity Hall. 167

Chapter XVII.

I ENTER THE DIVINITY HALL.

"What is it to be wise?
'Tis but to know how little can be known,
To see all others' faults, and feel our own."

— Pope.

AM sure, Fraser, I do not

know how to thank you for

your kindness and sympathy

to a reckless fellow like

myself," said Will Black,

after we met again at the

University. " Mother has

been here, and we have had

quite a nice chat together.

I was awfully glad, however, that you had

broken the ice for me. I confessed all my

folly to her and father, who was more lenient

than I expected, and certainly did not deserve.

They have both freely forgiven me. Lottie

behaved splendidly, and I really think she

likes mother and father already. Lottie has

consented to go and stay for a month or two

1 68 Student Life.

at Millport ; and I *m sure if mother takes
her in hand she will be a good girl. I am
going to work hard in earnest now, Fraser, I
assure you; for I have seen what an awful
fool I have been."

" I am glad to hear it," I replied, rather
enigmatically I must confess.

"Are you going to continue your studies
in Edinburgh ? "

" Oh ! yes, of course," was the reply.
" Both father and mother strongly desired
that I should complete my education at Glas-
gow, but I wouldn't comply to this ; so they
consented to let me remain, now that Jack
Macdonald is out of the way."

" Indeed ! what has happened to him ?
His medical course is not finished, is it }''

"No, nor ever will be I am afraid," said
Will. " I suppose you saw a notice about
the students' riot in the papers, which took
place some time ago in the Canongate ? "

"Yes. I saw the notice, and I believe
you were one of the culprits yourself, Will."

" No, no, Fraser ; that was all a mistake, I
assure you. It was another fellow of the
same name, who was studying medicine along
with Macdonald."

/ Enter the Divinity Hall. 169

" I am glad of that," I replied ; *' but what
of Macdonald ? "

" Well," continued Will, " the three students
were let out on bail as usual, and when the
day of trial came round two of them turned
up to receive sentence, — another fine of
course, — but Macdonald had bolted, and
from that day to this no one knows what has
become of him. It is supposed by Purdie,
however, that he has gone to learn his
father's business ; and I suppose that is
pretty near the truth.

" It *s a great relief to me, Fraser, to think
that Macdonald is out of the way; for I
believe he could have made me do almost
anything he liked. But I see Geggin wants
to speak to you. Good-by, and give a look
up soon."

" Have you seen Blackie's latest ? " asked
Geggin, after we had talked some time on
various topics.

" Not I," was my reply. " What has he
been doing — amusing the public again* ? "

" Of course, but this time at a banquet.
But here's the paper. Listen to this," and
my friend read as follows : ** Professor Blackie
said he had never prepared a speech before-

170 Student Life.

hand except once, and he thought the result
would prevent his ever doing it again. He
said, * It was on the occasion of the Burns
Centenary. They came to me and said,
" Blackie, we have you down for a speech."
I looked at the programme, and saw I was
down at the bottom as I am here. I said,
" There is no use writing a speech. You
have put my name at the bottom of the list,
and by that time nobody will listen." — " Non-
sense,'' they said. " You must do it. It is a
grand occasion, and you must make a grand
speech ; you must build it up architecturally,
like Cicero, Demosthenes, and the orators of
old." Like a good-natured fellow that I was,
I wrote out a long speech. When it came to
my turn, I saw there was no chance ; so I
merely said, ** I propose so-and-so ; good-by,"
and sat down. But next day, there, in all
the papers, was the great speech I had never
delivered a word of — not only a whole column
of type, but sprinkled with "hear, hears,"
** hurrahs," and all that sort of thing. It was
the greatest lie that ever was printed, and you
will find it there, making me immortal to the
end of the world, wherever the name of
Burns is known.' "

/ Enter the Divinity Hall. 171

*'And what do you make of all that ex-
planation of Blackie's ? " I asked Geggin.

" Oh, it *s easily seen through," was his
reply. "He saw that he hadn't time to give
his speech, so ere he went away handed it to-
some of the reporters present, who took it
down for next mornings papers. He is a
splendid fellow for company ; and I have no
doubt since his trip to Egypt this summer, he
will be giving us a few jokes piled up in
pyramidical style."

" So long as they are connected with
classical subjects I don't object," I replied.
" Have you seen Stanhope yet ? "

" I spent last night with him at an evan-
gelistic meeting," said Geggin. "He has
managed to get the needful to pay his class
fees ; so I have no doubt but what he will * do
good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.'^
But how are you getting along at the hall ?
Is the theological class large this session ? "

" There are some ten altogether," I replied,
" They are all genuine fellows, as far as I am
able to judge."

" I think you will likfe Professor Flint's
lectures," said Geggin. " It was he who
delivered the Baird lecture on Theism,

172 Student Life.

Some students object to his style, as if he
would force you to believe all he says, even
against your will ; but I like a man with some
dogmatism in his character, — especially in a
theologian."

" An old minister from Falkirk told me he
was the ablest man in the Church of Scotland.
I said, I have no doubt but what I will be
thoroughly 'ground' by him, as well as by
Charteris and the other Professors."

"I am glad that your old dad is getting his
desires fulfilled," said Geggin; "and that you
enter the Hall as a man who has been * born
again.' My belief is, that if all the ministers
of every denomination were truly converted
men, the church would be irresistible in her
progress, instead of being a kind of mechan-
ical machine."

" I think so too," I said, as we parted. I
found for the first four weeks after I had
fairly settled down to study, that the work
prescribed taxed my memory fully, so that I
had few spare hours left for out-door recre-
ation or amusements.

The fees for the session of six month's
duration in the Faculty of Divinity amounted
to ;^i2 • 12 • o, a sum of money which came

1

/ Enter the Divinity HalL 173

heavy enough on my means of support ; and
the more I mixed among and got to know
the varied circumstances of the theological
students, the more I admired them for their
indomitable pluck and perseverance in fight-
ing against so many seemingly insurmountable
difficulties ; and I do not wonder at " puir
auld Scotland " producing so many excellent
divines, when I take into account the priva-
tions many of these have to undergo, which
tends tQ deepen and strengthen their spiritual
faith. I got acquainted with more than half-
a-dozen of the Divinity students ; Hugh
Anderson, Henry Thompson, James Mackay
and several others, all of whom are now
ministers in various parts of Scotland.

The society which I had started still con-
tinued to flourish, and to attract to its circles
many quiet first year's students, who would
otherwise have gone through the University
without having made friendships of any kind.
Man is sometimes a solitary animal, and
requires tact and ability to draw him out of
himself; and I have received many a kind
and loving letter from various parts of the
work! from former students, thanking me for
doing what I did for them, in the way of

174 Student Life.

introducing them to Christian society, and so
helping to strengthen and develop their faith.

It was wearing on towards the opening of
another year, when I received an invitation
to attend the funeral of Charlie Macnab. I
found it impossible to go, having so much
work on hand; so wrote expressing my
sympathy with his parents' loss, and asking
particulars of his latter end. After this letter
had been posted, I wondered if Charlie,
before he died, had succeeded in reconciling
Tiis father to his sister-in-law. Truly the
whirligig of time brings vas,t and unexpected
changes, as I found out when I obtained a
reply a week later.

Charlie Macnab had died in the hope of a
blessed resurrection. Before his departure
he had succeeded in bringing his sister-in-law
and her son to see him, the result being that
Charlie's father, completely broken down at
having lost one son, and threatened with the
loss of another, had taken young Mrs Macnab
and her boy into favour, and Charlie had died
happy, leaving, among other legacies, a finely
bound copy of Milton to " Mr Fraser, of
Edinburgh, for his past kindness." Charlie's
<ieath was thus the means of attaining a

/ Enter the Divinity Hall. 175

reconciliation, which would have otherwise
been difficult to obtain ; and the fatherless
boy was, as I learnt afterwards, the certain
heir to Mr Macnab's estates, now that his
sons were all dead.

I never heard anything further regarding
Mrs Henry Macnab, beyond the fact that
Mrs Smith, the landlady with whom she
resided with in Edinburgh, received a five
pound note for past kindnesses given to her
when in sore need.

It will thus be seen that my first session
in the Divinity Hall was entered upon amid
a lessening circle of old friends ; and although
I made many new acquaintances, I many a
time regretted the loss of the **old familiar
faces."

176 Student Life.

Chapter XVIII.
WILL BLACK'S MISSION.

WAS happy to observe that

Will Black kept steadily at

work, and that he wrought

with a purpose. Believing

that drink is one of the most

debasing things that men

can partake of, I induced

Will to join our Temperance

Association ; and he became

one of the most energetic of its members,

and was the means of largely adding to the

roll. Will confessed to me that it was a

terrible struggle at the beginning to give up

even his occasional glass ; but by a firm will

he snapped the chains of the terrible evil,

and stood unfettered and free.

Stanhope and he became more and more

Will Black's Mission, 177

intimate; and towards the close of the Session,
while attending an evangelistic meeting in a
hall in Rose Street, I noticed Will Black on
the platform, and later on, heard him deliver
a most earnest and practical address, and
found out, from Stanhope, that Will added
example to precept, and was frequently found
at the bedside of the suffering poor.

" I think Chateaubriand made a mistake,"
said Stanhope to me one day.

** I suppose he had failings like the
generality of men," I said.

" Yes ; but it is in respect to what he says
of happiness. I spoke just now too abruptly,
and uttered aloud a mental thought of
reasoning which I was following out. The
passage I refer to is this : He says — 'People
speak continually of happiness; all men look
for it; none find it; few are acquainted with
it' Now, I say that is false. I am happy
for one ; and Will Black told me last night
that he never remembered a period in his
life when he was so happy ; and I think that
the secret lies in the fact that several weeks
ago Will experienced the new birth, and
wishes to impart some of his inward happiness
and peace to other minds."

M

178 Student Life.

. And Will Black told me long afterwards,
that Stanhope's upright walk and conversation,
and Cowan*s sudden and unexpected death,
was the means of leading him to the only
true Refuge. An upright Christian walk is
preaching the gospel.

My father at last got his wish fulfilled. I
was one of the theological students appointed
to deliver a discourse on behalf of Foreign

Missions in China, and the town of K

was the place I was to make my first
appearance. A number of years have passed
since then ; but I still remember the tumul-
tuous waves of feeling which passed through
my mind as I entered the sacred edifice, and,
after mounting the steps of the pulpit, was
shut in by the beadle turning the handle of
the door.

I felt the cold perspiration trickling and
oozing down my spinal column ; and as I rose
to give out the first psalm, my legs trembled
and my voice shook, while I dared not lift
my eyes to gaze on the congregation. The
singing calmed me somewhat, and I gathered
sufficient confidence to look round on my
audience. I saw my dear father and mother,
but alas! such is the frailty of humanity, I

Will Black's Mission, 179

wished it had been some other individual
than Norman Fraser, M.A., standing in the
pulpit. I knew my sermon thoroughly before
I had left home. My mind was now, how-
ever, a perfect blank ; and I am sure if I had
not brought my manuscript with me, there
would have been assuredly, if not a " stickit
minister," at least an ambitious student stuck
fast in the quagmires of perplexity. My
father had urged me strongly to deliver my
sermon without reading; but although my
intentions were good, my performance was
mediocrity itself; for I read every word, and
thankful was I indeed when my labours were
ended.

"It wisna such a bad discourse, Norman,
my man," said my father after I had returned
home. "It was very guid for a beginning.
But it just wanted pith an' smeddum to mak'
it stand itsel', an' a wee mair self confidence ;
but I would raither ha'e a modest beginner,
than an impertinent young fellow, who thinks
he has a' the wisdom o' the worl' in his head,
when it 's a' the time mair filled wi' self than
. Christ."

"The theological student is the most
patient of all animals," so said Manderson,

Ml

i8o Student Life.

one of the librarians, as he handed me a book,
after I had waited fully half-an-hour ; and I
conscientiously believe that he expressed the
truth ; for in ' pursuing theological studies,
youthful enthusiasm gets sorely tried, as the
subjects on many occasions are rather intricate,
and patience is a virtue needed at all times.

My course through the Divinity Hall was
a very uneventful one, as far as outside
affairs were concerned. It was like passing
from the House of Commons to the House of
Lords, after finishing the Arts course; the
two atmospheres were so different, and yet
both were essentially necessary. The day at
last dawned, when I had to preach two
discourses preparatory to being licensed as a
probationer. I did this successfully, and
received the congratulations of the several
Professors and others, for delivering very
"sound and masterly discourses."

The three sessions at the Divinity Hall
had passed very rapidly, and on the whole,
very pleasantly ; and I was thankful that my
health and strength had stood the strain of
mental study and application.

Geggin and Stanhope, — the former of the
Free, and the latter of the United Presby-

Will Black's Mission. i8i

terian Church, — finished their course of study
at the same period. Will Black, however,
had still a full session more to run ; for by
this time he had entered as a theological
student, and was " running well."

The four of us had a happy meeting
together. It was a question if we would all
meet again in like manner. There is always
a mingled feeling of regret and sadness at
parting ; and although each of us painted rosy
coloured pictures for the future, and were
anxious for the day when we would buckle
on our armour, and fight in a settied sphere
on behalf of our glorious Captain, we almost
wished to live our university life over again.
Dear old Alma Mater, my heart clings to you
yet with fond affection !

About nine months after I was licensed
to preach the Gospel, I received a "call"
from a nice quiet country place in the West
of Scotland. Needless to state I accepted it,
and pen these recollections from the study in
one of the loveliest situated manses that are
to be met with anywhere. I like the people
among whom my lot has been cast ; and from
all I can gather, both by hearsay and other-
wise, I understand there is nobody liked

1 82 Student Life.

better, or held in higher esteem among them
than " the minister."

I have only had one letter from my old
friend Alistair Macgregor. He is doing
remarkably well in his new career ; although
I am afraid his Latin and Greek will not be
of any advantage to him in his far-off home.
He has now a large farm of his own. " I do
not know," he writes, " I do not know what
my old father would think of his son Alistair
possessing ten thousand sheep, several large
herds of cattle, and as much land as would
conveniently hold at least fifty crofters in the
Highland fashion. I am married also, Fraser,
and I can hear the shouts of two of the young
Macgregors as they watch an unruly stoat
which has run away from the rest of the herd
in a reckless manner. I am sorry to say that
Professor Blackie (I have still his plaid yet)
has not come out to see me in my new home ;
but he will find a real Highland welcome
when he does come, as I have taught young
Donald to play on the pipes as good as my
uncle, piper to the Duke of Argyle at
Inveraray." Such was a part of my friend
Alistair's letter ; the latter portion of which,
I have no doubt, was rather exaggerated,
unless Donald was a youthful prodigy indeed.

Will Black's Mission. 183

Several changes had, however, taken place
at Edinburgh University since Alistair had
last frequented it. Kind and genial Professor
Blackie had sent in his resignation to the
Queen, and Her Majesty had been pleased
to accept it. The Professor received a
pension, and still goes about with the con-
sciousness that he has successfully founded
the Celtic Chair to aid in keeping alive the
Highland language.

Geggin and Stanhope both secured
churches. They are both "living epistles
known and read of all men,'* and teach their
flock both by precept and example the height
that Christian men can attain unto. As
they have only been settled a year or so
in their various charges, I cannot speak of
their successful labours ; but as they are both
gifted with high literary abilities, the world
will be all the richer some day by the works
they will send forth.

And Will Black, and his wife — what of
them ?

Last week I stood on the deck of a beauti-
ful vessel, with a large number of passengers
on board, and among them were the Rev.
William Black and his wife. Both had

184 Student Life.

learned by experience, and had obtained a
measure of that faith which overcometh the
world.

They were bound for China, as labourers in
the foreign field.

" Good-by, Will," I said as I shook hands
with him. "You are going on an arduous
mission, and may heaven prosper you."

" Amen ! " said Will. " ' What shall I ren-
der unto the Lord {or all His benefits toward
me ? ' If it had not been for His grace and
strength, I would have been a degraded
wretch in all probability by this time. Come
what may, ' as for me and my house, we will
serve the Lord.' "

And thus it came to pass that Will Black,
after passing through the fire, braved exile
from his native land, to do good to those who
sit in darkness.

I have done, for the twilight shadows are
creeping thicker together, and a thin film of
mist is spreading itself abroad obscuring the
light ; but I trust that the varied experiences
of my fellow students and myself, herein
noted down, will not be without fruit ; and that
intending students will see that it all depends
on the way in which they pursue their studies.

Will Black's Mission. 185

and the companions they make, whether
success crowns their efforts, or failure and
disaster — and the same with every occupation
in life.

And so, reader, I bid you heartily —
farewell.

"Oh! my sweet God, I seek no prince's power,
' No miser*s wealth, nor beauty's fading gloss
Which pamper sin, whose sweets are inward sour,
And sorry gain that breed the spirit's loss.
No, my dear Lord, let my Heaven only be
In my Love's service but to live to Thee !'*

THE END.

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